Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46
This course aims to primarily introduce the basic ecological theory and mathematical modelling approaches required to study the dynamics of animal populations, especially those populations which are managed for conservation or sustainable exploitation.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course deals with the basic ecological theory and modelling approaches required to study population dynamics, especially those of populations which have importance for conservation consideration, management or exploitation. Population models used to describe population change in continuous and fragmented populations are explored. Examples of such models include: exponential and logistic growth models, Lotka-Volterra competition and predator-prey model, metapopulation models as well as direct applications, such as the concept of Maximum Sustainable Yield.
By the end of the course students should be able to
Taught topics covered include:
(note that these may vary slightly between years)
Exponential, logistic and density-dependent growth
Role of stochasticity in population change
Matrix models
Estimating population parameters
Dispersal
Metapopulation dynamics
Predation
Parasitoids
Disease dynamics
Harvesting and Maximum Sustainable Yield
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Groups will also be given generic feedback. A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during practical sessions. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
3 online tests worth 20% each. Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Groups will also be given generic feedback. A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during practical sessions. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students will repeat whichever elements of the assessment were failed or not completed at first sitting; the marks for elements already passed will be carried forwards. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Evaluate | Develop writing skills by preparing a data analysis manuscript, interpreting the results and discussing its relevance in relation to theory |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the basic ecological theory and mathematical modelling approaches required to study the dynamics of animal populations, especially those requiring conservation management or being exploited |
| Procedural | Apply | Be able to apply appropriate models to datasets to understand the long-term dynamics of populations |
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