701-1677-00L Quantitative Vegetation Dynamics: Models from Tree to Globe
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2021 |
| Lecturers | H. Lischke, U. Hiltner, B. Rohner |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-1677-00 G | Quantitative Vegetation Dynamics: Models from Tree to Globe Online event: Will primarily take place online (Zoom). Reserved rooms will remain blocked on campus for students to follow the course from there. | 3 hrs |
| H. Lischke, U. Hiltner, B. Rohner |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | This course provides hands-on experience with models of vegetation dynamics across temporal and spatial scales. The underlying principles, assets and trade-offs of the different approaches are introduced, and students work in a number of small projects with these models to gain first-hand experience. |
| Learning objective | Students will - be able to understand, assess and evaluate the fundamental properties of dynamic systems using vegetation models as case studies - obtain an overview of dynamic modelling techniques from the individual plant to the global level - understand the basic assumptions of the various model types, which dictate the skill and limitations of the respective model - be able to work with such model types on their own - appreciate the methodological basis for impact assessments of future climate change and other environmental changes on ecosystems. |
| Content | Models of individuals - Deriving single-plant models from inventory measurements - Plant models based on 'first principles' Models at the stand scale - Simple approaches: matrix models - Competition for light and other resources as central mechanisms - Individual-based stand models: distance-dependent and distance-independent - Theoretical models Models at the landscape scale - Simple approaches: cellular automata - Dispersal and disturbances (windthrow, fire, bark beetles) as key mechanisms - Landscape models Global models - Sacrificing local detail to attain global coverage: processes and entities - Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) - DGVMs as components of Earth System Models |
| Lecture notes | Handouts will be available in the course and for download |
| Literature | Will be indicated at the beginning of the course |
| Prerequisites / Notice | - Basic training in modelling and systems analysis - Basic knowledge of programming, ideally in R - Good knowledge of general ecology, vegetation dynamics, and forest systems |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 3 credits |
| Examiners | B. Rohner, U. Hiltner, H. Lischke |
| Type | session examination |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Mode of examination | oral 45 minutes |
| This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
Learning materials
| No public learning materials available. | |
| Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |
