MLU
INF.06290.04 - Modelling species distribution and biodiversity patterns (Complete module description)
Original version English
INF.06290.04 15 CP
Module label Modelling species distribution and biodiversity patterns
Module code INF.06290.04
Semester of first implementation
Faculty/Institute Institut für Informatik
Module used in courses of study / semesters
  • Biodiversity Sciences (MA120 LP) (Master) > Biologie BiodiversityMA120, Version of accreditation valid from SS 2021 > Project modules offered by the Institute of Computer Science (Nat Sci III)
  • Bioinformatik (MA120 LP) (Master) > Bioinformatik BioinformatikMA120, Version of accreditation valid from SoSe 2023 > Bioinformatik (HB) (Anteil gem. § 5 Abs. 4-6, Anlage 2)
  • Bioinformatik (MA120 LP) (Master) > Bioinformatik BioinformatikMA120, Version of accreditation (WS 2016/17 - WS 2022/23) > Bioinformatik (HB)
  • Biologie (MA120 LP) (Master) > Biologie BiologieMA120, Version of accreditation valid from WS 2010/11 > Wahlpflichtmodule
Responsible person for this module
Further responsible persons
Prof. Dr. Jonathan Chase; Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide; Dr. Erik Welk
Prerequisites
Skills to be acquired in this module
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the models used to describe species distribution and species richness, including their strengths, limitations, and underlying assumptions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and compare models results with empirical data, effectively interpret and communicate the implications of these results.
  • Acquire a proficient command of the R programming language, enabling the student to write and execute simple programs for processing and analyzing species distribution and biodiversity data.
  • Gain competence in the use of GIS software to integrate and manipulate spatial data, create informative maps and analyze spatial patterns in species distribution and biodiversity.
  • Develop the skills to effectively read, critically evaluate and engage in discussions about research articles with a strong theoretical or modeling component related to species distribution and biodiversity patterns.
Module contents
Part I, Introduction to species distribution pattern analysis
  • Introduction into GIS: vectorial and raster data; visualizing vectorial and raster data; projections and choice of datum; the attribute table for vectorial data and basic database operations; importing, editing and exporting data; basic spatial operations in GIS (geometric operations and spatial interpolation).
  • Mapping methods for plant distribution data; sources, compilation and gathering of plant distribution data; storage and organization of data.
  • Introduction to current plant biogeography and macroecological research and the relevant literature; revisiting the niche concept of large scale species distribution ranges
  • Introduction to Species Distribution Models; applications and use of plant distribution data;
  • Specifics of spatial data in statistical analyses; data preparation and transformations; assumptions of and conditions for spatial analyses of ecological data
  • Visualizing spatial data in R
  • Practical exercises in plant chorology and macroecology
Part II, Measuring and comparing patterns of biodiversity
  • Introduction to biodiversity measures and metrics (e.g., alpha, beta, gamma diversity)
  • Species area curves, endemics area curves, other macroecological patterns
  • R code for building spatial diversity patterns
  • R code for dissecting species richness scaling relationships
  • Functional and phylogenetic diversity measures; genetic and network diversity
  • Practical exercises for comparing biodiversity variation across natural and anthropogenic gradients
Forms of instruction Lecture
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Lecture
Course
Seminar
Course
Course
Course
Exercises (1 SWS)
Lecture
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Lecture
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Seminar
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Lecture
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Exercises (1 SWS)
Languages of instruction German, English
Duration (semesters) 6 Wochen Semester
Module frequency jedes Wintersemester
Module capacity unlimited
Time of examination
Credit points 15 CP
Share on module final degree Course 1: %; Course 2: %; Course 3: %; Course 4: %; Course 5: %; Course 6: %; Course 7: %; Course 8: %; Course 9: %; Course 10: %; Course 11: %; Course 12: %; Course 13: %; Course 14: %; Course 15: %; Course 16: %; Course 17: %; Course 18: %; Course 19: %; Course 20: %.
Share of module grade on the course of study's final grade 1
Module course label Course type Course title SWS Workload of compulsory attendance Workload of preparation / homework etc Workload of independent learning Workload (examination and preparation) Sum workload
Course 1 Lecture Part I.1 Lecture Introduction to GIS 0
Course 2 Course Part I.2 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 3 Lecture Part I.3 Lecture Plant biogeography 0
Course 4 Course Part I.4 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 5 Seminar Part I.5 Seminar Current topics in plant biogeography and macroecology 0
Course 6 Course Part I.6 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 7 Course Part I.7 Practical course Species distribution modelling 0
Course 8 Course Part I.8 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 9 Exercises Part I.9 Practical exercises and independent projects for analyzing species distribution data 1 0
Course 10 Lecture Part II.1 Lecture and discussion Measuring and comparing patterns of Biodiversity across scales 0
Course 11 Course Part II.2 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 12 Lecture Part II.3 Lecture and discussion Species area curves, endemics area curves, other macroecological patterns 0
Course 13 Course Part II.4 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 14 Seminar Part II.5 Seminar R code for building spatial diversity patterns 0
Course 15 Course Part II.6 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 16 Seminar Part II.7 Seminar R code for dissecting species richness scaling relationships 0
Course 17 Course Part II.8 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 18 Lecture Part II.9 Lecture and discussion Functional and phylogenetic diversity measures; genetic and network diversity 0
Course 19 Course Part II.10 Pre and post lecture self study and literature work 0
Course 20 Exercises Part II.11 Practical exercises and independent projects for comparing biodiversity variation across natural and anthropogenic gradients 1 0
Workload by module 450 450
Total module workload 450
Examination Exam prerequisites Type of examination
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Final exam of module
Part I: Presentation and talks, written report, presentation of statistics and graphs,presentation of own results, Part II: independent project with paper and presentation
Wissenschaftlicher Vortrag Teil I, Wissenschaftlicher Vortrag Teil II, Protokoll, Wissenschaftlicher Vortrag (eigenständiges Projekt)
Exam repetition information
Prerequisites and conditions Prerequisites Frequency Compulsory attendance Share on module grade in percent
Course 1 Winter semester No %
Course 2 Winter semester No %
Course 3 Winter semester No %
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Course 5 Winter semester No %
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Course 20 Winter semester No %