Every winter semester
8 Credit points
For information on the duration of the modul, refer to the courses of study in which the module is used.
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.).
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.
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Module structure: 1 SL, 1 bPr 1
| Allocated examiner | Workload | LP2 |
|---|---|---|
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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
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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.
| 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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