Module 20-EEC-3 Models in conservation biology

Faculty

Person responsible for module

Regular cycle (beginning)

Every winter semester

Credit points and duration

8 Credit points

For information on the duration of the modul, refer to the courses of study in which the module is used.

Competencies

Non-official translation of the module descriptions. Only the German version is legally binding.

Students will have an overview of key concepts and current topics in conservation biology and are familiar with key ecological and evolutionary processes acting in small populations. They know different modeling approaches (population-based models and individual-based models), know how to implement them in an appropiate programming language (e.g. R), and how to connect them to empirical data. Students know how to present their work orally and in writing, and have experimented with other forms of communicating science (e.g. as a knowledge map, computer game, info graphic etc.).

Content of teaching

This course will introduce students to theory and models used in conservation biology, focusing in particular on the processes of species extinction on the one hand and species (re)introduction and invasion on the other hand. We will consider both ecological processes (e.g. Allee effects, habitat change, species interactions, demographic and environmental stochasticity) and genetic processes (e.g. inbreeding, maintenance of genetic variation, genetic drift) that are important in small populations.

Modeling approaches and techniques will be introduced in R exercises. Students will then apply these techniques in individual research projects. Models will be contrasted with data, for example species abundance/community composition data from the Wadden Sea excursion or data on the abundance of invasive species in the Wadden Sea. In addition to self-generated data, we may use publicly available data, e.g. on intentional species introductions. Scientific communication (writing and presentation skills) and peer-to-peer feedback will be an important component of the class.

Recommended previous knowledge

Necessary requirements

Explanation regarding the elements of the module

Module structure: 1 SL, 1 bPr 1

Courses

Models in conservation biology
Type lecture with exercises
Regular cycle WiSe
Workload5 90 h (45 + 45)
Models in conservation biology
Type internship
Regular cycle WiSe
Workload5 150 h (75 + 75)
LP 5

Study requirements

Allocated examiner Workload LP2
Teaching staff of the course Models in conservation biology (lecture with exercises)

The Study requirement comprises self-study in preparation for the course, using material and references supplied by the lecturer, and performing the analyses of the exemplary models presented during the course. Results are presented and discussed in the course, providing peer-feedback to other students.

see above see above

Examinations

e-oral examination o. oral examination o. oral presentation with written exploration
Allocated examiner Teaching staff of the course Models in conservation biology (lecture with exercises)
Weighting 1
Workload -
LP2 -

Students work on an individual project based on current research, using the modeling skills they gained during the course. They write a report structured like a scientific article (Abstract, Introduction, Model Description, Results, Discussion, References). The report is presented (20 - 30 minutes) to the course; grading is based both on the report itself and its presentation.
As an exception, students may be offered an oral exam or electronic oral exam at a distance (20 minutes). Regularly, students have to write and present the report.

The module is used in these degree programmes:

Degree programme Recom­mended start 3 Duration Manda­tory option 4
Ecology and Environmental Change / Master of Science [FsB vom 02.03.2020 mit Änderung vom 21.03.2023] 1. one semester Obli­gation

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Legend

1
The module structure displays the required number of study requirements and examinations.
2
LP is the short form for credit points.
3
The figures in this column are the specialist semesters in which it is recommended to start the module. Depending on the individual study schedule, entirely different courses of study are possible and advisable.
4
Explanations on mandatory option: "Obligation" means: This module is mandatory for the course of the studies; "Optional obligation" means: This module belongs to a number of modules available for selection under certain circumstances. This is more precisely regulated by the "Subject-related regulations" (see navigation).
5
Workload (contact time + self-study)
SoSe
Summer semester
WiSe
Winter semester
SL
Study requirement
Pr
Examination
bPr
Number of examinations with grades
uPr
Number of examinations without grades
This academic achievement can be reported and recognised.