MB3269 - Ecological Dynamics: An Introduction to Modelling (Advanced)

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

Only available to students enrolled in the BSc (Marine Biology - Advanced)

This subject will examine classical and contemporary issues in marine ecology at the population, community and ecosystem levels. Emphasis will be on the use of mathematical models to relate the process studied in small-scale field and laboratory studies to the larger spatial and temporal scales relevant to major research priorities in the ecology, conservation and management of marine systems.. Topics covered will include population dynamics, dispersal and connectivity, species interactions (competition, mutualism, consumer-resource interactions), biodiversity, the effects of physical processes on marine communities, and the dynamics of energy and nutrients in marine systems. Practicals will focus on the use of computer software as a tool to facilitate the analysis of ecological models. Students will be required to attend supplementary tutorials in addition to lectures and practicals for MB3260.

Learning Outcomes

• understand the major biological and physical processes affecting marine populations;
• understand the effects of spatial and temporal scale on the dynamics of marine ecosystems;
• become familiar with the formulation and analysis of ecological models, assisted by computer software;
• understand the relationship between ecological models and data;
• develop the capacity to use models as a means of integrating information about ecological processes that operate on multiple scales and assess how those processes interact to determine ecological dynamics at population and ecosystem levels.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools.

Prerequisites:	MB2060 or BZ2440 or equivalent and MA1000
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB3260 and MB5260

Availabilities
, , Study Period 2
Census Date 08-Sep-2006
Coordinator:	Professor Sean Connolly
Contact hours:	26 hours 12 hours 36 hours
Assessment:	(25%); (20%); (5%); (35%); (15%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering. Enrolment in this offering is restricted.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.