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EK3303: POPULATION ECOLOGY (2023-2024)

Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46


Course Overview

This course aims to primarily introduce the basic ecological theory and mathematical modelling approaches required to study the dynamics of animal populations, especially those populations which are managed for conservation or sustainable exploitation.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Clare Trinder

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

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course deals with the basic ecological theory and modelling approaches required to study population dynamics, especially those of populations which have importance for conservation consideration, management or exploitation. Population models used to describe population change in continuous and fragmented populations are explored. Examples of such models include: exponential and logistic growth models, Lotka-Volterra competition and predator-prey model, metapopulation models as well as direct applications, such as the concept of Maximum Sustainable Yield.

By the end of the course students should be able to

  • Demonstrate ability to apply population ecology theory to a long-term dataset by writing a manuscript that explains the theory, applies and presents an appropriate method of data analysis, explains the results of the analysis, interprets the results and discusses their relevance in relation to theory.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the application of mathematical models to questions in population ecology through a set of online tests.

Taught topics covered include:
(note that these may vary slightly between years)
Exponential, logistic and density-dependent growth
Role of stochasticity in population change
Matrix models
Estimating population parameters
Dispersal
Metapopulation dynamics
Predation
Parasitoids
Disease dynamics
Harvesting and Maximum Sustainable Yield

 


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

Written report

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Groups will also be given generic feedback. A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during practical sessions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Online tests

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

3 online tests worth 20% each.

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Groups will also be given generic feedback. A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during practical sessions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Students will repeat whichever elements of the assessment were failed or not completed at first sitting; the marks for elements already passed will be carried forwards.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralEvaluateDevelop writing skills by preparing a data analysis manuscript, interpreting the results and discussing its relevance in relation to theory
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the basic ecological theory and mathematical modelling approaches required to study the dynamics of animal populations, especially those requiring conservation management or being exploited
ProceduralApplyBe able to apply appropriate models to datasets to understand the long-term dynamics of populations

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