Spatial Processes in Ecology & Evolution

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

The course will start with a week of lectures that will give an overview of how almost all relevant processes in ecology and evolution are inherently spatial. Topics include: dispersal strategies in plants and their evolution; the influence of migration on metapopulation dynamics and persistence; spatial genetics; the lasting impact of past population fluctuations; large-scale patterns in species diversity. In the afternoons, there are computer practicals that make the students acquainted with the basics of Species Distibution Modeling.

The next week, students will have computer practicals where they will get acquainted with the most important aspects of the analysis of genetic data through the simulation of different genetic and demographic scenarios. Furthermore, they will perform an independent analysis of genetic data from an alpine plant species.

Overall, the students will learn how the spatial analysis techniques can be used to answer a range of questions in other fields of ecology and evolution. What are the effects of a change in species distribution on the distribution of genetic variation? How does the response to climate change of a species depend on its dispersal capabilities, demography and dispersal strategy? Can we also use these techniques to model past distributions of species? Do these models match with the large-scale patterns in biodiversity?

Study materials

Literature

• recent scientific articles

Practical training material

• computer tutorials developed for this course

Objectives

Objectives of the course Spatial Processes in Ecology and Evolution are:

• Acquire knowledge of mechanisms that can cause spatial pattern formation in species distributions and in the distribution of genetic variation within species
• Acquire knowledge of metapopulation dynamics and theory of evolution of dispersal strategies
• Acquire skills in species distribution modelling techniques
• Acquire skills in genetic data analysis techniques
• Apply these skills to answer questions concerning the past, present and future distribution of species
• Be able to study, present and discuss relevant literature

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Computer lab session/practical training
• Self-study
• Seminar
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

The lectures give essential background information regarding the importance of spatial processes and the patterns that they leave behind. The computer practicals further build on this by giving the students hands-on experience with analysis techniques and by simulating the processes and looking at the results.

Learning activities

Attendance

The programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Additional requirements for this course:

Attendance at lectures is highly recommended.

Students should be present during at least 80% of the computer practicals.

Assessment

Inspection of assessed work

Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

Assignments

Computer assignments

• During each practical students work on computer assignments. The results of these are being discussed during the practical.

Assignment Genetic Data Analysis

• The students will work in pairs on the analysis of a genetic dataset of an Alpine plant. The results of this analysis will be presented in a written report. Specific details of the assignment can be found on Blackboard. The report will be graded, which will make up 40% of the final grade.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.uva.nl/plagiarism

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

• Patrick Meirmans