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

The module "Modelling and Simulation of Ecological Systems" builds a bridge between the ecological modules of the specialisation "Environmental Informatics" and the possibilities of Computing Science to gain a deeper understanding of ecological relationships through modelling and simulative investigation of system behaviour. The module takes up mathematical modelling methods of analysis and stochastics and their implementation in simulation tools, as well as computer science methods of discrete modelling and software development.

Module objectives/competences:

Students will have acquired or deepened the following competences in the module:

□ They know general methods for discrete and continuous, as well as space-based modelling.

□ They understand basic concepts of ecological systems.

□ Understand the typical properties, advantages and disadvantages of different modelling methods for ecological systems and be able to critically evaluate them.

□ You can apply the modelling concepts you have learned to ecological systems in a meaningful way.

□ You can understand and practically apply basic simulation methods, especially for discrete models,

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

□ You can carry out implementations of simple ecological models,

□ They have deepened their teamwork skills by developing solutions to small tasks in teams of 2-3 students and improved their presentation skills.

Module content:

Methods of modelling and simulation initially serve the goal of a deeper understanding of causal relationships in dynamic systems. For the application area of ecology, there are numerous methodological approaches to this, such as impact graphs, differential equation systems, Markov models, L-systems, cellular automata or individual-oriented models, which are presented in the course and illustrated with examples. Basic concepts of ecological systems will also become clear. The modelling methods are supported by simulation methods for executing the models, which are dealt with in context.

Software tools have been and are being developed for the application of such methods, the structure and functionality of which are discussed by way of example. In particular, tools for the simulation of mathematical models and for individual-oriented simulation will be introduced and used in exercises.

Finally, the interpretation of simulation results leads to the treatment of model validation methods and the discussion of the forecasting quality of models.

The module "Modelling and Simulation of Ecological Systems" is flanked by the module "Environmental Information Systems", in which concepts of persistent storage of spatial information and concepts of data analysis are dealt with. However, the modules are independent of each other in terms of content.