This module will focus on linking patterns to processes across scales and levels of organization, and familiarize you with theory and dynamic models in Ecology
Date
Activity and Goals
Reading and Homework
Tuesday
September 13, 2016
Discussion of Redfield (1958) and Klausmeier (2004)
- Define stoichiometry
- Understand how we can use stoichiometry to address ecological questions
- Identify research frontiers in stoichiometry
- Identify assumptions of models
- Understand how to utilize an equilibrium analysis
- Optimal strategies and tradeoffs
In your own words, what were the key underlying assumptions of the Klausmeier model? Were the assumptions justified?
(1 page limit)
Thursday
September 15, 2016
Discussion of homework
Group activity: patterns in data
- Link across scales of organization
- Utilize and understand lots of data
- Recognize patterns leading to a hypothesis
Write up the question and hypothesis developed in class. What pattern(s) led you here? Why did you develop this hypothesis?
Read Sterner (1990)
Tuesday
September 20, 2016
Discussion of hypotheses
Discussion of Sterner (1990)
Introduction to modeling project
- Formalizing ideas (operationalizing)
- Critically read and analyze theoretical papers
Develop a box and arrow diagram of a model you want to explore. Begin translating these into a system of equations.
Thursday
September 22, 2016
Group feedback on models
Begin working on model analysis
- Develop and analyze models
- Understand reproducible work
- Translating assumptions into equations
Tuesday
September 27, 2016
Group feedback on project progress
Finish project plan of action
- Develop and analyze models
- Understand reproducible work
- Translating assumptions into equations
Thursday
September 29, 2016
Group presentations of project
- Present the project
- Provide feedback to colleagues about their work
- Follow through with the scientific method
- Effectively communicate your methods and results
Presentation and finalize written report