737315 Integrated socio-ecological and climate modeling

Type
Lecture and seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Gaube, Veronika , Formayer, Herbert , Haberl, Helmut
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Models are simplified representations of complex phenomena. They help to better understand interrelations in complex systems, to reconstruct past system states based on incomplete data, to create forecasts or scenarios of future developments and to structure communication processes. In the seminar, we will discuss computer models that simulate the interactions between social dynamics and their biophysical effects on essential ecological patterns and processes. A variety of socio-ecological mathematical models exist that simulate human-nature interactions. Examples include land use or resource use and their drivers and implications on different spatial and temporal scales (local to global, forward and backward looking). The seminar will provide an introduction to socio-ecological models and simulation techniques and a basic understanding of the development, structure and application of simulation models (e.g. system dynamics, agent-based models, etc.) in social ecology. The critical reflection of the strengths and weaknesses of different model approaches will be emphasized throughout the course.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After the successful completion of the course
• The students have gained an overview of integrated social-ecological modelling approaches.
• The students have a basic understanding of which modelling methods (top-down, bottom-up) are used to analyse dynamics of society-nature interaction.
• The students have learned to critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different modelling approaches.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.