ECMM904 | 2019 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Ecological Dynamics	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ECMM904	MODULE CONVENER	Unknown

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11	0	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	20

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Key advances in our understanding of ecological processes, such as multi-species or predator-prey interaction, island biogeography, or critical transitions in ecosystems, have been based on mathematical modelling and underpinning theory. In this module you will learn about theoretical approaches in ecology and how they can be used to explore the dynamic processes underlying observed patterns and phenomena. Your study will focus on three themes: ecological dynamics, epidemiology and pattern formation.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the theoretical concepts describing species interactions and how they can be used to inform our understanding of the observed processes that occur at various ecological scales. We will explore a variety of modelling approaches around three themes of ecolgical dynamics, epidemiology and pattern formation.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1 Understand methods employed in mathematical biology and ecology;

2 Formulate models from biological systems;

3 Use theory to draw conclusions about the dynamics, stability, and perturbation of natural populations;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4 Comprehend mathematical methods to analyse biological and physical processes;

5 Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts in analysing natural systems;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

6 Formulate and solve problems;

7 Communicate reasoning and solutions effectively verbally and in writing;

8 Demonstrate appropriate use of learning resources;

9 Demonstrate self-management and time-management skills.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The aim is to make sure the course content remains current and applicable to modern day theoretical ecological, the specific approaches and topics may vary over time. Each approach will be covered in three-week blocks in which the ecological/biological system and underpinning theory is first introduced and then analyse and applied through mini-project based work. Topics to be covered include:

- Ecological Dynamics;

- Inference;

- Pattern formation

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	38	Guided Independent Study	112	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	11	Formal lectures
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	3	Student-led presentations
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	24	Computer-based modeling workshops
Guided Independent Study	112	Lecture & assessment preparation, computing, wider reading

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Workshops, 1 per approach	3 workshops	1-9	Written and oral

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Coursework	3x30	Written report, worksheet or interactive presentation (web page, video, app, pod cast or "mark-up" document, etc.) for each topic	1-9	Written and oral
Presentation	5 each	Oral presentation about one topic	1-9	Written and oral

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
Coursework	Synthesis report (3000 words)	1-9	Submit by end of August

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year	ISBN
Set	Pastor, J.	Mathematical Ecology of Populations and Ecosystems		Wiley	2008	9781405177955
Set	Bacaer, N.	A Short History of Mathematical Population Dynamics		Springer	2010	9780857291141
Set	Langtangen, H. P .	A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python	4th	Springer	2014	9783642549588

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	7	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Thursday 14th May 2015	LAST REVISION DATE	Thursday 1st August 2019

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Ecological theory, ecological dynamics, modelling, epidemiology, ecosystems, species interaction.

Ecological Dynamics - 2019 entry