This site is regularly updated, even during the course
The exact locations need further confirmation
Aim of the course
The 2012 course aims at making the participants conversant with
approaches to ecological and evolutionary models beyond those found
in the textbooks. The stress is on generalities, as opposed to the
construction of simulation models purportedly mimicking concrete
empirical cases. The work of theoretical groups in the Netherlands
serves as an anchoring point. This is possible since through
historical accident these groups rather nicely cover a full gamut of
approaches.
Contents & Structure
The first session treats the philosophy of exploring ecological and evolutionary phenomena through the use of mini-models.
This session also functions as a refresher of the prerequisites.
The remainder of the course concentrates on models that allow incorporation more biological detail.
These models are more complicated but still sufficiently simple to be treated on a relatively general level.
Sessions two and three consider the step from the individual to the population level and back.
Session two stresses physiological processes as well as energy and mass balances.
Session three deals with various mathematical techniques for stepping from individual to population behaviour, and from there to the evolution of traits of those individuals, ending with a discussion of the mathematical principle underlying ecological diversification.
The fourth session considers the long term fixation of this diversification through speciation.
The fifth and final session treats fine-scaled spatial interactions and other types of mechanistic complexity. The corresponding models are not easily amenable to mathematical treatment and may lead to an, often surprising, richness of phenomena.
Required Knowlegde & preparation
It is assumed that all participants have had some previous exposure
to ecological modeling, in particular to the use of mini- (or toy)
models, to the level of one of the following books:
-
P. Yodzis (1989) Introduction to Theoretical Ecology
- M. Bulmer (1994) Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology
- W.S.C. Gurney & R. Nisbet (1998) Ecological Dynamics
- T.J. Case (2000) An Illustrated Guide to Theoretical Ecology
- P. Turchin (2003) Complex Population Dynamics:
A Theoretical/Empirical Synthesis
- S.P. Otto & T. Day (2007): A Biologist's Guide to Mathematical
Modeling in Ecology and Evolution.
The books of Yodzis and Bulmer are out of press;
Yodzis (1989) can be downloaded and Bulmer (1994) can probably be found in your local library.
If you have problems with the conceptual and/or mathematical level of these books, we shall
gladly offer some guidance by a tutor from among our lecturers.
With the help of this tutor you can remedy that situation during December and early Januari by studying the book of Case, which is particularly suited for self-study.
Course credits
2 ECTS
Schedule: Dates & Location
- Fri 13 Jan 2012:
Mini-models (inspired by the books of Case or others)
Host: Prof. Dr. Rob J. de Boer
Location:
Room 022, Minneart gebouw, Leuvenlaan 4, De Uithof, Utrecht
Time: 10:00-17:00
Contents
- Mon 16 Jan 2012:
Metabolic organisation at the ecological level
Host: Prof. Dr. S.A.L.M. Kooijman
Location:
Room T550, Vrije Universiteit, de Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Contents
- Mon 23 Jan 2012: Physiologically structured populations,
and adaptive dynamics
Host: Prof. Dr. J.A.J. Metz
Location:
Room 3.T.01, Sylvius Laboratorium, Sylviusweg (Wassenaarse weg) 72,
2333BE Leiden
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Contents
- Fri 27 Jan 2012:
Non-equilibrium processes in ecology and evolution
Host: Prof. Dr. F.J. Weissing
Location:
Room 1.51 Linnaeusborg, Zernike Complex,
University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen
Time: 10:00 (coffee), 10:30- 17:00
Contents
- Fri 03 Feb 2012:
Spatial eco-evolutionary processes
Host: Prof. Dr. P. Hogeweg
Location:
Room 022, Minneart gebouw, Leuvenlaan 4, De Uithof
(bus 12 or 12S from centraal station Utrecht)
Time: 10:00-17:00
Contents
This session can include a general discussion if deemed expedient
Costs & restrictions
Travel costs
Optional: book by Case (ca 50 euro), book by Kooijman (36 euro)
It is assumed that all participants have had at least some previous exposure to ecological modeling.
Please submit a short email to the course organizer, Prof. Metz, detailing your familiarity with theoretical ecology, DEB, modeling etc.
Organisation & information
Prof. Dr. J. A. J. Metz (Hans)
Phone: 010-4297995 / 06-53 44 84 50
-
Prof. Dr. R. J. de Boer (Rob) Phone: 030-2537560
Dept. Theoretical Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8,
3584 CH Utrecht.
-
Prof. Dr. S.A.L.M. Kooijman (Bas)
Phone: 020-5987130
Dept. Theoretical Biology, Faculty Earth & Life Sciences,
Vrije Universiteit, de Boelelaan 1087,
1081 HV Amsterdam
-
Prof. Dr. J.A.J. Metz (Hans)
Phone: : 010-4297995 / 06-53448450.
Mathematisch Instituut & instituut voor Biologie, Niels Bohrweg 1, Leiden.
-
Prof. Dr. F.J. Weissing (Franjo)
Phone: 050-3632131
Dept. Theoretical Biology RUG,
University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen
Prof. Dr. P. Hogeweg (Paulien)
Phone: 030-2533692
Dept. Theoretical Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8,
3584 CH Utrecht.
Registration
Online via the website
Please also send an email with full name, work and living
addresses, telephone number(s) and e-mail address to the organiser
(address see above), so that an address list based on this
information may be distributed among the participants.
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