James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023
For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.
BS5260 - Modelling Ecological Dynamics
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 2 |
| Administered by: | College of Science and Engineering |
Available to postgraduate science and Bachelor of Advanced Science students.
Subject Description
- This subject provides an introduction to the formulation, analysis, application, and critical evaluation of ecological models. Lectures examine how models connect particular ideas about how ecological systems work to fundamental concepts in ecological theory, and on critically evaluating how analyses of model ecological systems can inform our understanding of real ecological systems. Practicals emphasize applying ecological models to solve problems in biodiversity conservation and management. Topics covered include population dynamics and extinction risk; ecological stability and resilience; fisheries modelling; dispersal, connectivity, and marine reserves; species interactions; biodiversity; and trophic dynamics. This subject is appropriate for empirically-oriented students seeking a better understanding of the relevance of ecological modelling for their field and laboratory research, as well as for students interested in postgraduate work in ecological modelling.
Learning Outcomes
- analyse ecological models, in order to determine how fundamental concepts in ecological theory arise from particular sets of assumptions about how ecological systems work
- critically evaluate the robustness of ecological concepts to the simplifying assumptions from which they have been derived
- critically evaluate how the formulation and analysis of model ecological systems informs our understanding of real ecological systems in nature
- formulate ecological models, by integrating information about ecological processes that occur on multiple scales
- apply the techniques of ecological modelling to solve problems in conservation and management
Subject Assessment
- Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (30%) - Individual
- Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%) - Individual
- Oral > Presentation 1 - (15%) - Individual
- Written > Lab/Practical report - (40%) - Individual
Note that 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.
Assumed Knowledge: It would be advantageous for students to have a basic understanding of ECOLOGY and MATH. (BS5460 or BS2460) and any university math or will have acquired equivalent knowledge through industry experience.
Inadmissible Subject Combinations: MB3260, MB3269, MB5260
Availabilities
Townsville Bebegu Yumba, Study Period 1, Internal | |
| Census date: | Thursday, 23 Mar 2023 |
| Study Period Dates: | Monday, 20 Feb 2023 to Friday, 16 Jun 2023 |
| Coordinator(s): | Professor Mia Hoogenboom |
| Lecturer(s): | DR Reniel Cabral Professor Mia Hoogenboom Assoc. Professor Martijn van de Pol |
| Workload expectations: | The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
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