THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON BIODIVERSITY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
The diversity of life on Earth (biodiversity) exhibits temporal and spatial patterns calling for theoretical interpretations. This five-day course reviews several theoretical approaches describing patterns of species richness and relative abundance. The objective of this course is to make participants familiar with these theories’ rationales, assumptions and limitations. A major goal of this course is to demystify the use of mathematics in ecology. To this end, the course emphasizes the development and interpretation of mathematical formulae and their relationship with the biological phenomena they describe. The course has a hands-on approach, and participants will be engaged in computer exercises using R that aim to illustrate and implement the mathematical methods discussed.
After the course the attendants should have a newfound appreciation for the role of theoretical models, with a view to being able to follow (and contribute to) advancements in theoretical ecology.
PROGRAMME
1st day
9:45-12:45 | Spatial and temporal patterns of species diversity
14:00-17:00 | An introduction to programming using R
2nd day
9:45-12:45 | Measures of biodiversity
14:00-17:00 | Practical exercises using R
3rd day
9:45-12:45 | Source-sink dynamics and Metapopulations
14:00-17:00 | Practical exercises using R
4th day
9:45-12:45 | The theory of Island biogeography
14:00-17:00 | Practical exercises using R
5th day
9:45-12:45 | The neutral theory of biodiversity and biogeography
14:00-17:00 | Practical exercises using R
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Luís Borda-de-Água - CIBIO-InBIO | THEOECO
Filipe Dias - CIBIO-InBIO | THEOECO
INTENDED AUDIENCE
The course will be open to a maximum number of 20 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students. Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
REGISTRATION
Registration deadline: May 02, 2019
To apply, please fill the form available HERE
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV students | 95 € (students) | 200 € (other participants). CIBIO-InBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%. All applicants will be notified about whether they are accepted until May 13, 2019.
Please note that new rules apply for all BIODIV students.
