pcb 5485 - Models in Ecology

PCB 5485
Models in Ecology (Class E-mail)
Dr. John F. Weishampel

Contact:

Professor:	Dr. John F. Weishampel
Office:	BL 102B
Office Hours:	Wed & Fri 3:30-5:00PM Thurs 1:30-3:30 PM
Phone:	(407) 823-6634
Fax:	(407) 823-5769
E-mail:	jweisham@mail.ucf.edu

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide an introductory survey of how mathematical models are applied to ecological questions of both a theoretical and applied nature. The course covers some of the basics of systems analysis that have been used over the past 40 years and a few of the more avant-garde developments.The course will consist of virtual lectures (learning modules) where certain modeling concepts (e.g., model formulation, model sensitivity, model testing) are described followed by examples from the literature.Though certain models have universal application, specific examples will be drawn from terrestrial and aquatic systems for both plant and animal species/communities depending on the constituency and interests of the class. However, my bias is towards terrestrial plant communities (i.e., forests).

Course Prerequisites:

The student should have taken, minimally, an introductory ecology course and possess a basic understanding of calculus. Students should be familiar with and able to use a computer and typical office software (i.e., Excel, Word, and Powerpoint). Additional courses in calculus, statistics, linear algebra, and computer programming are not necessary, but could be helpful. I will try to adjust the course to the level of the students' mathematical and computer backgrounds, as long as they are below mine.

Course Objectives:

Students will understand how models are used as tools to organize ecological thoughts, answer ecological questions, and make predictions. Students will be able to construct simple mathematical models using a simulation toolbox (i.e., Stella) or via less structured methods and apply these models to address ecological and environmental questions.