MLU Master’s Module: Modelling Species Distribution and Biodiversity Patterns

Part II: Measuring and comparing biodiversity patterns and processes

Instructor:

Prof. Jonathan Chase (jonathan.chase@idiv.de)

Co-Instructors:

Dr. Paola Barajas (paola.barajas@idiv.de); Dr. Shane Blowes (shane.blowes@idiv.de); Dr. Daniela Hoss (danielahoss@gmail.com); Dr. Emma Ladouceur (emma.ladouceur@idiv.de); Dr. Alban Sagouis (alban.sagouis@idiv.de); Dr. Kimberly Thompson (kimberly.thompson@idiv.de); Dr. Roel van Klink (roel.klink@idiv.de); Dr. Wubing Xu (wubing.xu@idiv.de)

Course plan:

Week 1: (January 9-13): Mechanisms of biodiversity: Metacommunities Theory and Practice

Monday: Lecture, Reading, Discussion, Exercise (Jon)

Tuesday: Introduction to modelling, population and metapopulation dynamics using simulations and computer exercises (Shane)

Wednesday: Metacommunity theory, preparation for independent projects (Shane/Wubing)

Thursday: Independent project (Shane/Wubing)

Friday: Independent project (Morning): Presentation/discussion (Afternoon)

Week 2: (January 16-20): Measuring and comparing patterns of (taxonomic) diversity

Monday: Lecture, Reading, Discussion, Exercise (Jon)

Tuesday: Calculating biodiversity metrics (richness, evenness, Hill numbers); mobr lesson (Roel)

Wednesday: Effects of sampling on biodiversity measures (species accumulation curves, etc); mobsim (Alban)

Thursday: Independent project/analysis: simulations, analyses of empirical and/or simulated data (Alban, Roel)

Friday: Independent project/analysis (Morning): Presentation/discussion (Afternoon)

Week 3: (January 23-27): Functional Diversity and Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (BEF)

Monday: Lecture, Reading, Discussion, Exercise (Jon)

Tuesday: Measures of Functional Diversity (Hill Numbers) (Paola, Emma)

Wednesday: Biodiversity, Metacommunity Assembly, and Ecosystem Functions (biomass, stability) (Daniela, Emma)

Thursday: Independent project/analysis: simulations, analyses of empirical and/or simulated data (Paola, Daniela, Emma)

Friday: Independent project/analysis (Morning): Presentation/discussion (Afternoon)

Course Expectations and Grading:

The learning objectives of this course will be primarily achieved by course attendence and participation in excercises and activities. Attendence/participation is mandatory. Grading will be primarily through course attendence and participation in 'in class' activities and short weeekly independent projects