METIER Graduate Training Course No. 5:

Ecological Modelling

22 May -2 June 2008

Leipzig & Bad Schandau (Germany)

Objective

Ecological Modelling is a methodological key skill in modern environmental research. Ecological models are very useful for simulating and analyzing the long-term dynamics and stability properties of complex ecological systems. They allow integrating information from different disciplines as well as analysing, interpreting and understanding field observations. Moreover, they allow alternative scenarios to be developed, simulated, analyzed, compared, and ranked according to their effect. This provides a basis for the development of tools for management support and policy advice. This is particularly important in the context of mastering one of the grand challenges of the future: the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in face of Global Change (esp. climate, land use or institutional change).

The present course gives a systematic introduction into the development and analysis of ecological models and provides an overview over important approaches and model types. It gives examples for the use of models for understanding and predicting ecological processes and for supporting the development of management strategies and policy options in fields such as: biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, disease control or the adaptations to the impacts of climate change. The course is a mixture of lectures, talks from research and practical work on own modelling projects in small groups.