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  5. Ecology
  6. EK5702: Applied Ecological Modelling

EK5702: APPLIED ECOLOGICAL MODELLING (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:37


Course Overview

This course teaches how to construct, implement and analyse your own models. The course introduces simulation techniques and programming in either R or C++. Additionally, it introduces a new software platform, RangeShifter, developed by researchers at Aberdeen.  RangeShifter allows easier development of simulation studies in spatial ecology and conservation. Developers of the software are involved in teaching the course. A major component of the course is a mini project, during which you will work in small teams to develop your own models.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 7.5 credits (3.75 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Justin Travis

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • One of MRes Ecology & Environmental Sustainability (Studied) or MRes Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology (Studied) or MSc Ecology & Environmental Sustainability (Studied) or MSc Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology (Studied) or MSci Biological Sciences (Studied)
  • Either Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied) or BI4015 Grant Proposal (Passed)
  • Either Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied) or MSci Biological Sciences (Studied)
  • Either Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied) or ZO5304 Population Ecology (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course aims to teach students how to construct and implement their own models. The course introduces simulation techniques and/or programming using a modelling platform, RangeShifter ( http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.12162/full ), developed at Aberdeen and also using R. The main learning outcomes are: - Increased ability for abstraction - Ability to develop a model - Ability to critically evaluate a model and the results that it produces - Programming skills - Development of oral presentation skills. Development of group working skills. The course will comprise three practical sessions per week, where the students will be guided through the various steps involved in designing, implementing and analysing a model. The final session of the third week will provide the students with the opportunity to present their findings to the rest of the group.

Associated Costs

None

Further Information & Notes

Importantly, by taking this course you will also develop valuable skills in critically appraising the models developed by others.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Continuous assessment: group demonstration of the jointly developed model (50%); review of a modelling paper (2000 words; 50%).

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

None.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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