Objectives: The main purpose of this course is to teach the principles of ecological modeling. The emphasis will be made on learning dynamic models. The course will cover both the methods of ecological modeling and introductory Visual Basic programming.

We will start with a discussion of the objective and general philosophy of modeling - what is a model? What we are able to accomplish building the models? What are the main objectives of model development? The students will learn the main steps of model development: building a conceptual model, formalization, identification, validation, running the model, results analysis. We will cover several fundamental modeling approaches that will allow acquiring advanced approaches in the future.

MS Visual Basic .NET 2003 will be used. Students will learn the basics of the language and code the algorithms. The course includes using VB standard controls, creating dialogs, and basics of working with data.

Prerequisites: No previous modeling or programming experience is necessary, but basic computer and mathematical skills are essential. We will analyze simple differential equations, so a familiarity with basic concepts in calculus (functions, graphing, differentiation, and integration) will be required.

Course format: lecture: twice a week, 50-min. As a rule, one class each week we will do VB programming, coding the discussed models.

Office Hours: MW 8:30 - 9:30. The students may send me an email to set up an appointment or ask questions. I will see them any time as long as I am not rushing to finish something.

Grading:

• Homework 50%
• Final exam 25%
• Group reports 25%

Programming: You have the following options for storing your code and data:

• Create a folder with your name in the W:\FNR598M folder. Note: due to security reasons you will be allowed to use the W: drive only if you are FNR student;
• Create a local folder with your name.

Homework is due one week after it has been assigned and has to be sent to akirilen@purdue.edu with subject line "FNR598M HWx", where x - the homework number. For programming homework, I would prefer if you store your code in the W:\FRN598M\yourName\HWx folder and email me just the folder name. If that's not an option for you, please attach your archived VB project (use zip or rar format) and CC: your email to a_kir1@yahoo.com . The reason for that is that Purdue automatically blocks the attached files with .exe, .dll, etc. extensions, even if they are archived.

Additional reading :

• Case T.J., 2000. An Illustrated guide to Theoretical Ecology. Very good introductory text on modeling population dynamics. Those willing to learn mathematics of the models we will study in class will find this book very useful.
• Haefner, J.W., 2005. Modeling biological systems: principles and applications. More advanced reading, wide range of modeling approaches. Good supplement to (Case, 2000).
• Keen R.E., Spain J.D. Computer simulation in biology. A Basic introduction. Wiley-Liss, 1992. ISBN 0-471-50971-X. Older, but still excellent book, which shows how to code the models in Basic.

You may find the following books also useful, especially if you want to learn Stella:

• Ford, A. 1999. Modeling the environment: an introduction to system dynamics modeling of environmental systems. Island Press. Washington , DC
• Hannon B. and Ruth, M., 1997. Modeling dynamic biological systems. Springer.

We will use Microsoft Visual Basic .NET 2003 ; any entry-level book covering VB.NET will suffice. A good introductory VB.NET 2003 book I came across lately is Michael Halvorson's " Microsoft Visual Basic .NET Step by Step-Version 2003 ". If you are inclined towards a steeper learning curve, you might like reading " Beginning VB.NET ".

Software: We will have VB.NET 2003 installed in PFEN 202 lab. If you want a copy of VB of your own, ITAP sells Microsoft Visual Studio CDs for around $17. It's free for Purdue-owned computers, so you can borrow the Purdue licensed CDs from me, but be sure that you have administrative access in order to perform the installation.

Class policies : Class discussion is encouraged. Please feel free to ask questions during or after class, or send me an email.