21/2 – Modelling Biodiversity

The module is designed to be 8-weeks-long. In Part I (weeks 1-4), students are introduced to the basic principles of systems thinking and ecological processes. In Part II (weeks 5-8), students will apply the newly learned concepts in completing tutorials and building models. The emphasis is put on interdisciplinary problems, but most examples will come from ecology and environmental sciences. Students will use software packages (e.g. MS Excel, STELLA) to run tutorials and solve case studies (e.g. balancing carbon flow in a tropical rainforest). The module is geared toward students with interest in natural sciences, numerical sciences, however, the software and concepts apply across disciplines and can be carried over to social sciences (e.g. economics, sustainability).