Week 1

Introduction: what is theoretical ecology?

Lecture in a nutshell

Lecture handout

  • Introduction to ecological theories and mathematical models

  • Constructing ecological models: 5 steps

Step 1. Formulate the motivating question

Step 2. Determine the basic ingredients

Step 3. Qualitatively describe the biological system

Step 4. Quantitatively describe the biological system

Step 5. Analyze the model

  • Apply ecological models in your study: 4 approaches

Approach 1. Adopt the framework

Approach 2. Test the predictions

Approach 3. Use the equations (model fitting/proxy calculation)

Approach 4. Test model assumptions

  • Some relevant math techniques: Derivatives and integrals, linear approximation and Taylor expansion

Lab demonstration

No lab demonstration this week.

Assignments

Please review the study material and make sure you understand the basic R syntax and programming fundamentals, which we will be using throughout the semester. The example dataset for the tutorial is provided below.

Basic Introduction to R

Example dataset