GV3ESM-Ecosystems Modelling

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Pre-requisite - Basic Mathematics
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Shovonlal Roy
Email: shovonlal.roy@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module concentrates on modelling ecological dynamics with emphasis to ecosystems on land and in the ocean, which are relevant to a range of global issues, from environmental changes to food security, including the earth’s primary production, oxygen generation, and carbon fixation. The module will cover techniques and aspects required for in-depth understanding the ecosystems function and dynamics. As such this module has got some mathematical contents which is higher than usual in typical Geography modules. Lecture materials and recommended reading includebasic calculus, differential equations, logarithms and algebraic manipulations, however, these are not included in theassessments. The content, both technical and general, is suitable for  thefinal year undergraduate students with little or no experience in ecosystem modelling, but those who are interested in learning the building blocks of modelling, and applying it to the stat-of-the-art environmental and ecological systems.

Aims:
To provide detailed understanding of the building blocks of ecological models, from empirical to mathematical, for better understanding the ecosystem processes, and the dynamics of species interactions within food webs; and for applying the models combined with observations, both from laboratory experiments and remote sensing, for understanding, monitoring and managing ecosystems under environmental perturbations.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the students should be able to:

1. Implement the ecological principles in mathematical/statistical modeling of ecosystems


2. Simulate or analyse a range of dynamic ecosystem models


3. Analyse the key biological/physical factors/parameters responsible for changes in ecosystem dynamics


4. Understand how environmental models are used and misused


5. Use the state-of-the-art observations, suc h as satellite remote sensing, to better understand ecosystem dynamics

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop advanced quantitative skills, and important IT skills. They will work in groups to solve numerical problems, participate in scientific discussions, and build critical opinions on recent and advanced research works published in peer-reviewed journals.

Outline content:

The module will cover the following topics:

• Building ecological models from the first principle, through understanding the ecological and environmental processes, and using those to various ecosystems.


• Sensitivity studies on environmental models


• Modelling primary production, and applying to land plants and oceanic plankton ecosystems


• Species growth models (e.g., Logistic growth), and population dynamics


• Species interactions within food webs (Lotka-Volterra model)


• Marine biogeochemical interactions (nutrient, phytoplankton, zooplankton) and modelling


• Satellite remote sensing for ecosystem studies (e.g., NDVI, chlorophyll, sea-surface temperature).

Computer-based practicals:

• Statistical analysis/model of ecological data


• Building and exploring interaction models


• Uses of satellite remote-sensing data

Workshops/discussions:

• Critical evaluation of a selected list of research articles


• Group discussions and presentation on specific aspects of published research


• Writing individual reports with input from group discussions

Global context:

Ecosystem function and dynamics are related to the earth’s primary production, oxygen generation, and fixation of carbon biomass, both on land and in the oceans. Therefore, detailed understanding of the dynamics of ecosystems is very important. This module will provide a platform for the students of final year or masters to understand and develop some of the most useful mathematical/statistical techniques and aspects of ecosystem modelling, which would be relevant for advanced studies, and for ecosystem research.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops/group discussions

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12
Seminars	4
Practicals classes and workshops	22
Guided independent study:	162
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	30
Report	60
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework-based assessment = 100%

Written report based on computer practical = 60%

Group presentation + Research paper review = 40 %

Formative assessment methods:
Written assignment including essay, workshop/group discussion and performance in
practicals.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 14 December 2021