Distribution and population models

Course content

After successful completion students have knowledge of the key statistical and machine learning methods of species distribution modelling. They also have knowledge of the most important approaches to population dynamic modelling. The students are able to apply both modelling methods for dealing with geoecological and conservation biological questions and they know the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. They are capable to visualise and interpret data and models and to check underlying assumptions as well as to evaluate parameter sensitivities.

• Approaches to and methods of ecological modelling •
• Theoretical basics for the generation of ecological models (instructed in the exercises) •
• Application examples of models in ecology and conservation biology •
• Approaches to species distribution models in statistics and machine learning (parametric, semi-parametric and non-parametric techniques) •
• Individual-based (agent-based) modelling • Progamming of species distribution models in R (or comparable software)
• Progamming of individual-based population models with NetLogo (or comparable software)