Duration
15h Th, 15h Mon. WS
Number of credits
| Master in bio-informatics and modelling (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits | |||
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Mathematical models are fundamental tools to understand how biological systems work and interact with the environment. Models are more and more used in many areas of applied ecology and genetic regulation. This lecture is targeted towards giving an introduction to ecological modelling accessible with limited mathematical and computational skills offering an overview of the state of the art of dynamical modelling. We will first define the modelling philosophy and introduce essential concepts for describing and analyzing ecological systems. Then, the students will learn to write the mass-balanced equations that govern dynamical systems, to translate in mathematical formalism ecological and chemical processes, to solve these equations in simplified conditions (e.g. steady state, prey-predator interactions, 2-species competition) and analyze model solution in a phase-plane. The lecture will involve practical work in R that will allow understanding and running (simple) model codes. Examples from the terrestrial, fresh water, ocean systems and gene regulation will be selected.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The final aim is to lead the students to understand dynamical modeling and to be able to conceive and run simple models.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basic R knowledge should have already been acquired (for example through STAT0077 or INFO0956, the biological data analysis courses).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
An important part of the course will be devoted to the implementation of very simple examples in order to get familiar with models implementation
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Presential classes, exercises on computers during the classes as well as as homeworks
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Recommended or required readings
A Practical guide to Ecological Modelling, Using R as a simulation Platform. Soetaert and Herman, 2009.
Ecological Dynamics, Gurney and Nisbet, 1998.
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Any session :
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
- Remote
written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND written work
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred remote
Additional information:
Part Marilaure Grégoire: Written examination involving a theoretical and a practical part.
Part Patrick Meyer: a homework.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
Prof. Patrick Meyer,
BioSys Lab
e-mail: Patrick.Meyer@uliege.be
tel : 04366 3030
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Prof. Marilaure Grégoire,
MAST, ULg
e-mail : mgregoire@uliege.be
tel : 04366 3354