Ecological dynamics, 15 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on modelling as a convenient tool for the study of ecological dynamics, i.e., the interplay between organisms and their environment. The main emphasis is put on the understanding of the role of the dynamics of environmental factors and organisms in changing ecological processes, as well as on the analysis and solution to current ecological issues, such as the conservation of populations, sustainable harvesting and the regulation of ecosystem processes.
The teaching methodology is problem-oriented, research-based and learner-centered. Course participants develop published models with the help of a common software, under the guidance of course instructors. The concepts, techniques and practical tasks are all discussed in working groups during seminars. 

The course includes the following parts: 

Section 1, Methods, principles and concepts in ecological dynamics; 7.5 ECTS

This part gives a solid background in population and community theory from a process oriented, dynamic perspective. The focus is on how interactions between organisms drive the dynamics of ecological systems through feedbacks among various processes - often with unexpected results. The focus of this section is on the dynamics of interspecific interactions such as predation and competition and on how these interactions influence the coexistence of species, the size and stability of populations, as well as the flows of energy and matter through ecosystems. This section gives a thorough introduction to how models are constructed and analysed. This includes exercises in how biological assumptions translate into mathematical models and how the models are subsequently programmed and numerically analysed in Matlab. Matlab is a modelling software with widespread use in both research and the non-academic sector.

Section 2, Research project; 7.5 ECTS

In this part, the students develop their own research project, starting from a published scientific article that models a natural system in order to address questions of practical and theoretical importance. This work is of research-like character, because it aims to expand on the published model. In a first step, the main questions of the article must be described and the published model will be coded up in the modelling software in order to reproduce the results. In addition, the project includes the formulation of one or more new questions, literature search, model formulation and analysis, critical evaluation of results, and the writing of a formal essay. The work is also presented orally.

Expected learning outcomes

At the end of the course, for the grade Passed, the students are expected to be able to
Section 1 and 2
FSR 1. Apply classical and ecological concepts and theories to characterise ecological interactions. 
FSR 2. Construct dynamical mathematical models to meaningfully represent ecological concepts and theories.  
FSR 3. Analyse and evaluate dynamical mathematical models and their predictions of interacting populations using analytic and numerical methods. 
FSR 4. Evaluate the results from dynamical mathematical models with respect to ecological theories and experimental results.
FSR 5. Create original dynamical mathematical models in autonomy to address a non-covered practical or theoretical ecological problem and report the main contributions of the model in writing and orally.

At the end of the course, for the grade Passed with Distinction, the students are expected to be able to
Section 1
FSR 6. Formulate and analyse advanced models that describe a larger number of and/or more complex, non-linear processes as well as critically evaluate ecological theories

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS Biology, including 30 ECTS Ecology. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Form of instruction

The course consists of lectures, exercises, computer labs, independent projects, and literature seminars. Group exercises, computer labs and literature seminars are mandatory. The teaching adopts mostly a problem-oriented approach

Examination modes

In the first section, the content of lectures, group exercises and computer labs is examined through active participation in regular group meetings and turning in of computer lab reports which are given the grades U, G or VG. Seminars are examined by oral presentation and active participation in discussions and are given the grades U or G. The second section is evaluated through regular oral presentations documenting the advances made in the project, participation in discussions, and a written final report. An oral defense concludes the project at the end of the course. Section 2 is given the grade U or G.

For the course as a whole, the grade Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) is given.  
The grade VG on the class as a whole requires the grade VG on all computer lab reports that are part of section 1. For the grade Pass, the student must fulfill all expected study outcomes for the grade Pass. For the grade Pass with Distinction, the student must also fulfill all expected study outcome for the grade Pass with Distinction. Students, who fail, have the right to retake the examination. The student who has passed the examination may not retake the examination for higher grades. A student who has taken two examinations in a course or part of a course, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 Chap. 22 §). Requests for new examiners are to the head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science.
Crediting
Students have the right to get it tested whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. Further information regarding accreditation available at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed (Higher Education Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application for accreditation is rejected.

Other regulations

In the event that the course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including regular examinations) according to the rules in the syllabus that the student was originally registered for, for a maximum of two years from the date of expiry of the previous course plan or the course ceased being offered.