2020-2021 / OCEA0089-1

Introduction to marine ecosystems modelling

Duration

15h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

Marilaure Grégoire

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

CHAPTER 1 Introduction

  • What is a model?
  • Why do we need models?
CHAPTER 2 Model formulation

  • Conceptual model
  • Mathematical model formulation
  • Formulation of ecological interactions
  • Chemical reactions
  • Inhibition
  • Coupled model equations
  • Impact of physical conditions
CHAPTER 3 Spatial components

  • Taonomy of spatial models
  • Spatial boundary conditions
  • Example: competitive interactions in a lattice model
CHAPTER 4 Parameterisation

  • In situ measurement
  • Literature-Derived parameters
  • Calib_ters.43
CHAPTER 5 Model solution

  • Initial conditions
  • Analytical solutions of differential equations
  • Numerical solution of differential equations
  • Steady-state and stability analysis
CHAPTER 6 Testing and validating the model

  • Dimensional homogeneity and consistency of units
  • Conservation of energy and mass
  • Testing the correctness of the model solution
  • Testing the internal logic of the model
  • Model verification
  • Model validity
  • Model sensitivity
  • Example_74
  • Example of the conservation principle: a mass budget of a marine bay
CHAPTER 7 Taxonomy of ecological models

  • Strategic versus tactic models
  • Continuous and discrete time models
  • Deterministic and stochastic models
  • Density-biomass specific models
  • Physiological - individual-based - population - ecosystem models
  • Example: growth of a Daphnia individual
CHAPTER 8 Appendices

  • Taxonomy of differential equations
  • Solving difference equations
CHAPTER 9 Books for further reading

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The main aim of this course is to learn how to conceptualize, parameterize and implement mathematical models of marine biogeochemical and ecological processes

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None. The mathematics used will be quiet elementary

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The half part of the time will be devoted to the implementation of very simple examples in order to get familliar with models implementation

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

1.5 ECTS : theory
1.5 ECTS : Exercises

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

Available

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.

Examination:
Theoritical part: a written examination will be organized online via eCampus (update 10/12/2020).
Practical part: A homework will be required and is due for January 15th.
For those who failed in January, another exam will be planned in August/September.  
Assessment method adopted on 11/12/2020 : The oral exam will take place online.
 

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

None

Contacts

Marilaure Grégoire,
MAST research group
Department of Astrophysics, Geophysics and Oceanography (AGO)
e-mail : mgregoire@uliege.be