Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The module focuses on population biology including evolutionary and demographic development of ecosystems, handling of Big Data and use of statistical methods for modelling and simulation of biodiversity.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed the module should be able to:

• explain basic theories within population biology, including what affects the distribution of a species in an ecosystem
• explain how behavioral and physiological changes can affect the demography of populations
• explain how inbreeding and genetic variation can affect the fitness and evolutionary potential and demography of individuals and populations
• explain which factors can affect biodiversity, genetic variation, and the risk of populations becoming extinct and losing evolutionary potential

Skills

• use software to model and simulate the size, development and diversity of populations
• manage and handle large amounts of data and analyze it using advanced statistical methods Big Data Analyses)
• write an electronic project report following the standards of the field of study, include relevant original scientific literature, use the correct terminology, and clear, logical presentation of the research problem, methodology, results, and conclusions.
• use relevant software to present, analyze and visualize theories, hypotheses and data in writing as well as orally
• assess and select relevant original scientific literature and current scientific methods, models and other tools used in the project and asses the problem of the project and results in relevant scientific and social contexts
• present hypotheses and design and carry out experimental studies in the laboratory

Competences

• design experiments taking into account the critical points to be considered in design of experiments
• handle the planning, implementation and management of complex research and/or developmental tasks and take professional responsibility to implement academic assignments and interdisciplinary collaborations
• take responsibility for own professional development and specialization

Type of instruction

Project work including project-based learning through research projects, group work, and presentations.

Extent and expected workload

450 hours.

Exam

Exams