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Semester 1

Modelling Ecosystem Processes (ECSC10040)

Subject

Ecological Science

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

4

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

Modelling ecosystem processes introduces the key approaches to modelling in the ecological and environmental sciences. It provides a conceptual understanding of how to represent complex ecosystems within a model framework and practical experience in model design, construction, sensitivity analysis, calibration, validation/evaluation and analysis to address specific objectives. The course demonstrates how models can provide real-world, actionable evidence for sustainable ecosystem interventions against global environmental change. You will learn how models can help test and generate new hypotheses to understand ecosystem functions. You will be challenged to formulate testable hypotheses, and design suitable models of differing complexity, including both discrete (i.e. individual-based) and continuous (i.e. pool-based) approaches. Existing real-world applicable terrestrial ecosystem models (e.g. DALEC) will be used to test student-created hypotheses of ecosystem function in response to external factors (i.e. climate and disturbance).The course will consist of 10 three-hour sessions. These sessions include lectures and practical exercises that offer hands-on experience and reinforce the concepts introduced in the lectures.

Course Description

The course is divided into four modules, each consisting of weekly one-hour lectures to provide contextual information on models and the stages in their creation, calibration, evaluation and use. Examples will be from published datasets for context. These lectures provide the foundation for the weekly two-hour practical sessions involving individual and group-working opportunities. Sessions will be based on published models and datasets, where possible, to place the activities in context. Course modules:1. Modelling in ecological and environmental sciences2. Individual-based models in Ecology3. Forest biomass dynamics4. Dynamic data and complex systems

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Assessment is 100% coursework divided between four assignments.Assignment list:1. Graphical model design. This summative assessment covers learning outcomes 1 and 2. Assessment submission is electronic via Learn.2. Model development assignment. This assessment covers learning outcomes 1 and 2 and counts for 30% of your final mark. Assessment submission is electronic via Learn.3. Individual-based modelling case study. This assessment covers learning outcomes 3 and 4 and counts for 30% of your final mark. Assessment submission is electronic via Learn.4. Individual project. This assessment covers learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4 and counts for 40% of your final mark. Assessment submission is electronic via Learn.Assessment deadlinesGraphical model design. Monday, week 3, 12 noon.Model development assignment. Monday, week 6, 12 noon.Individual-based modelling case study. Monday, week 8, 12 noon.Individual project. Wednesday, week 11, 12 noon.

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