Syllabus
| Date | Lecture topic | Lab | Readings |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Week 1
28-Sept-2021 |
Introduction: what is theoretical ecology? | - | Grainger et al., 2021 |
|
Week 2
05-Oct-2021 |
Exponential population growth | Solving exponential growth equation using “deSolve” & Visualization |
Gotelli [Ch.1] Case [Ch.1] |
|
Week 3
12-Oct-2021 |
Logistic population growth and stability analysis | Solving logistic growth equation using “deSolve” & Visualization |
Gotelli [Ch.2] Case [Ch.5] Otto & Day [Ch.5] |
|
Week 4
19-Oct-2021 |
Discrete exponential and logistic models | Modeling discrete logistic growth using for loops & Visualization | May, 1976 |
|
Week 5
26-Oct-2021 |
Age-structured models | Analyzing Leslie matrix using for loops and eigenanalysis |
Gotelli [Ch.3] Case[Ch.3] |
|
Week 6
02-Nov-2021 |
Metapopulations and patch occupancy models | Building and analyzing a model on plant-soil dynamics |
Gotelli [Ch.4] Case [Ch.16] |
|
Week 7
09-Nov-2021 |
Lotka-Volterra model of competition: graphical analysis | Visualizing state-phase diagrams of Lotka-Volterra competition model |
Gotelli [Ch.5] Case [Ch.14] |
|
Week 8
16-Nov-2021 |
Lotka-Volterra model of competition: linear stability analysis | Analyzing system dynamics of Lotka-Volterra competition model | Otto & Day [Ch.8] |
|
Week 9
23-Nov-2021 |
Midterm exam | - | \(~~~~~~~~~~~~\) - |
|
Week 10
30-Nov-2021 |
Modern coexistence theory & Lotka-Volterra model of predator-prey interactions (1) | Analyzing Lotka-Volterra model of predator-prey interactions (basic) | Broekman et al., 2019 |
|
Week 11
07-Dec-2021 |
Lotka-Volterra model of predator-prey interactions (2) | Analyzing Lotka-Volterra model of predator-prey interactions (variants) |
Gotelli [Ch.6] Case [Ch.12 & 13] |
|
Week 12
14-Dec-2021 |
Resource competition: R* models | Analyzing the dynamics of various consumer-resource systems |
Armstrong & McGehee, 1980 Tilman, 1980 |
|
Week 13
21-Dec-2021 |
Multispecies models of competition: apparent competition | Visualizing the area of prey coexistence under apparent competition | Holt, 1977 |
|
Week 14
28-Dec-2021 |
Disease dynamics and SIR models | Analyzing the SIR model with demography & Visualization | Anderson & May, 1979 |
|
Week 15
04-Jan-2022 |
Course review & open discussion | - | \(~~~~~~~~~~~~\) - |
|
Week 16
11-Jan-2022 |
Final exam | - | \(~~~~~~~~~~~~\) - |