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Modelling Species Distributions & Niches (EVSC90026)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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This subject focuses on statistical models of the distribution of species and ecophysiological models of species niches. These two areas of environmental modelling have grown substantially in the last decade or two, and have become core parts of ecology. They are closely related, but they differ philosophically and practically. They are both used for understanding and predicting the distributions of species. The statistical models (also known as habitat suitability models, bioclimatic envelopes or ecological niche models) use observed geographical distributions to characterise relationships between a species and its environment and can be considered ‘top-down’ in approach. Ecophysiological (or mechanistic) models take a ‘bottom-up’ approach by characterising the physiological processes influencing a species’ distribution and integrate models of microclimates, energy balance, heat balance, and water balance.
You will learn about both approaches from lecturers who are world experts in these topics. The subject will help you to understand the merits and drawbacks of the two approaches to species modelling and equip you with important skills that are in high demand in ecology and conservation. The subject includes the following topics: compilation, processing and management of data, fitting models by statistical estimation and empirical measurement, spatial prediction of distributions (mapping), and model evaluation.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Understand theory about niches and distributions, and how this links to statistical and mechanistic modelling methods;
- Select a modelling method appropriate for a given question and dataset;
- Source appropriate data and prepare it for fitting models;
- Fit statistical models with traditional regression methods and machine learning methods;
- Develop mechanistic models using biophysical techniques for microclimates and organisms;
- Use both models to predict spatial distributions;
- Evaluate the models and predictions;
- Gain experience using the free statistical program, R, for modelling and for working with spatial data.
Generic skills
- Analytic skills – the course will improve students analytical abilities because they will deal with data and models and program in R;
- Problem-solving skills – both through lectures and practical work the students will learn to think about the aim of modelling and the available data and choosing the correct way to analyse it;
- Written communication – assignments and feedback from them will improve written communication;
- Skills in planning a work flow – the two assignments require work flow planning; the pracs will teach the necessary skills.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
At least one of the following or equivalent statistical knowledge:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL90002 | Biometry | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
EVSC90020 | Environmental Modelling | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90044 | Thinking and Reasoning with Data | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Experience with the statistical program R is recommended. This is provided by the prerequisites.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Several (4-7) short answer exercises or quizzes testing aspects of modelling – equivalent to a combined total of 1250 words
| Throughout the teaching period | 25% |
Develop and interpret a model of the niche of a species and write a report, due early-mid semester
| First half of the teaching period | 25% |
Fit and evaluate a species distribution model and write a report, due mid-late semester
| Second half of the teaching period | 25% |
Write a report comparing mechanistic and correlative species distribution models
| End of the teaching period | 25% |
Hurdle requirement: For on campus version: attendance to 5 out of 6 face-to-face discussion sessions | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
180 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Environmental Science Major Conservation and Restoration Major Tailored Specialisation Major Environmental Science - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022