Ecological Modeling in Marine Systems

Description

This course introduces the principles and applications of ecological modeling in marine systems. It covers conceptual, mathematical, and computational approaches used to describe and analyze the structure, processes, and dynamics of marine ecosystems. Students will explore models related to population dynamics, species interactions, food webs, nutrient cycling, ecosystem productivity, and the impacts of environmental change. The course also examines the use of ecological models to predict ecosystem responses, assess human impacts, and support sustainable marine and coastal management. By the end of the course, students will be able to: Explain the fundamental principles and purposes of ecological modeling. Develop conceptual models representing key components and interactions within marine ecosystems. Apply basic mathematical and computational approaches to ecological problems. Analyze population dynamics, species interactions, and ecosystem processes using appropriate models. Interpret and evaluate ecological model outputs and their limitations. Assess the impacts of environmental and human-induced changes on marine ecosystems. Use ecological modeling approaches to support sustainable marine resource management and decision-making.

Program

Master of Science Degree in Sustainable Blue Economy and Management of Coastal Resources (MSc SBEM)

Objectives

• To provide students with a fundamental understanding of ecological modeling and its applications in marine systems. To introduce the main concepts, approaches, and tools used to represent and analyze marine ecological processes. To develop students’ ability to formulate conceptual and mathematical models of marine ecosystems. To examine the interactions between physical, chemical, and biological components within marine systems. To enable students to use ecological models for understanding ecosystem dynamics, predicting environmental changes, and supporting marine resource management. To develop analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing complex ecological challenges in marine environments.