6KP, 3 V + 1 Ü, held regularly in the winter semester

The module ‘Modelling and Simulation of Ecological Systems’ bridges the gap between the ecological modules of the ‘Environmental Informatics’ specialisation and the opportunities offered by Computing Science to gain a deeper understanding of ecological relationships through modelling and the simulation-based analysis of system behaviour. To this end, the module draws on both mathematical modelling methods from analysis and stochastics and their implementation in simulation tools, as well as Computing Science methods of discrete modelling and software development.

Module objectives/competencies:

During the module, students will have acquired or further developed the following competences:

□ They are familiar with general methods for discrete, continuous and spatial modelling.

□ They understand the basic concepts of ecological systems.

□ They understand the typical characteristics, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, of various modelling methods for ecological systems and are able to evaluate them critically.

□ They can apply the modelling concepts they have learnt appropriately to ecological systems.

□ They can understand and put into practice fundamental simulation methods, particularly for discrete models,

□ You can familiarise yourself systematically and quickly with new simulation tools,

□ You can implement simple ecological models,

□ You have developed your ability to work in a team by devising solutions to small tasks in teams of 2–3 students, and have improved your presentation skills.

module content:

Modelling and simulation methods are primarily aimed at achieving a deeper understanding of causal relationships in dynamic systems. For the field of ecology, there are numerous methodological approaches, such as influence graphs, systems of differential equations, Markov models, L-systems, cellular automata or individual-based models, which are introduced during the course and illustrated with examples. This also clarifies fundamental concepts of ecological systems. The modelling methods are complemented by simulation techniques for running the models, each of which is covered in context.

Software tools have been and continue to be developed for the application of such methods; their structure and mode of operation will be discussed using examples. In particular, tools for simulating mathematical models and for individual-based simulation will be introduced and used in exercises.

The interpretation of simulation results ultimately leads to an examination of model validation procedures and a discussion of the predictive quality of models.

The module ‘Modelling and Simulation of Ecological Systems’ is complemented by the module ‘Environmental Information Systems’, which covers concepts relating to the persistent storage of spatial information, as well as concepts of data analysis. However, the modules are independent of one another in terms of content.