1. Sampling methods. Estimation of optimal sample size. Applications and practical examples.
2. Methods for estimating population size and dispersion of animals. Marking - Release - Recapture. Multiple marks - recaptures. Successive sampling.
3. Resampling methods (Bootstrapping, Jackknifing, randomization, Monte Carlo) - Applications in ecology.
4. Analysis of population fluctuations - "key factors."
5. Dynamics of species population interactions - advanced models (Ricker, Hassell, Beverton-Holt, etc.). Spidergram analysis. Analysis of species population interactions using the program Populus. Applications.
6. Dynamics of metapopulations. Metapopulation subunits and risk of extinction. Empirical examples.
7. Species diversity - components. Alpha-beta-gamma diversities. Species richness indices (Margalef, Menhinick), evenness indices, and diversity indices (Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Hill, etc.).
8. Similarity of biotic communities. Ecological data matrices. Quantitative and qualitative data. Cluster analysis - Dendrograms. Principal component analysis.
9. Organism spatial arrangements - their ecological significance. Testing the randomness of spatial arrangements. Examples from nature.
10. Spatial relationships between species. Diversity and spatial arrangement.
11. Ecological topics of free choice by students. Indicative fields: Deep Ecology // Carnivorous plants - ecological significance // Animal cannibalism - ecological significance // Epiphyte ecology // Cave ecology // Animal communication / Invasive species // Organisms of extreme conditions // Ecotourism // etc.
- Understand the significance of Ecology as a science and its contribution to modern society.
- Acquire knowledge of methods for studying population dynamics and interactions using electronic computers and models.
- Familiarize themselves with various research methods applied in Ecology, such as sampling, population size estimation, species biodiversity assessment, etc.
• "Ecological Methods - From Theory to Practice" by M.G. Karandinos.
Relevant Scientific Journals:
• Journal of Ecology
• Oikos
