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280105 VU Theoretical ecology (2026S)
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from Mo 02.02.2026 08:00 to Th 19.02.2026 07:00
- Registration is open from Sa 21.02.2026 00:00 to Mo 09.03.2026 08:00
- Deregistration possible until Tu 31.03.2026 23:59
Details
max. 15 participants
Language: German
Lecturers
Classes
Block course 18 May to 12 June 2026
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
Primary goal of the course is to provide a soft introduction to the mathematical and computational concepts required for quantitative and/or theoretical ecology. The course provides a gentle review of key concepts of algebra and the calculus (single, and multivariate), as well as programming in R, that is directly applied to (paleo)ecological questions. The lecture uses powerpoints, calculations on the whiteboard, and reading/typing computer code in class. Homeworks are also given.
Assessment and permitted materials
Students must demonstrate critical thinking skills, but will not be required to learn equations by heart. However, they need to demonstrate ability to understand the components of equations (when provided) and paths towards solution (either algebraically or computationally). Exams will be in person, and students will be allowed to help each other out when stuck. Essentially this is an “open book” exam.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
A demonstrated understanding how equations encode ecological processes, how algebraic or calculus concepts help explain ecological pathways and dynamics. Demonstrated understanding on how to read R code is required. Individual questions will be graded on an “A-F” scale. “A” demonstrates a full grasp of the materials, “F” demonstrates an inability to engage in a fruitful discussion and lack of understanding of the subject matter.
Examination topics
Students must sit a mid-term exam, and a final. Further, they are required to type the R-code discussed in class and run it to get results as homework. Homeworks need to be handed in at midterm and final.
Reading list
Students will be provided with a pdf for each lecture that contains all learning materials. The material in the pdfs is identical to what the instructor shows as ppts in class. The textbooks from which the pdfs were compiled are identified for each teaching module.
Association in the course directory
MA-ERD-W-1.1
Last modified: Mo 18.05.2026 16:47