Modelling Species Distributions & Niches (EVSC90026)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2022
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About this subject
Overview
| Fees | Look up fees |
|---|
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; and
- gain experience using the free statistical program, R, for modelling and for working with spatial data.
Generic skills
Completion of this subject is expected to enhance the following 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; and
- skills in planning a work flow – the two assignments require work flow planning; the pracs will teach the necessary skills.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL90002 | Biometry | July (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EVSC90020 | Environmental Modelling | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST90044 | Thinking and Reasoning with Data | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Or equivalent statistical knowledge
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
| 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% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 31 January 2024