elective4

Elective 4: 
Ecological Modelling 
Non Timber Forest Products and Bioresources 
 
Module No.  
Module name 
 
Ecological Modelling 
Module coordinator 
 
Dr. Helmer Schack-Kirchner    Email:  Helmer.Schack-Kirchner@bodenkunde.uni-freiburg.de 
Additional teaching staff 
Prof. Dr. Hildebrand, Dr. Gerald Kändler (FVA), Dr. Felix Knauer 
Syllabus 
What is modelling?  
Introduction to theoretical ecology 
Modelling Tools 
System Analysis and algorithmic thinking, basics principles of cybernetics 
Differential equations 
Introduction to computer programming with modelling examples 
Implementation of simple ecological models 
- humus dynamics ,- carbonate weathering 
- temperature regime in soils, transport of water and matter in soils 
- population models 
- cellular automats 
- point processes  
- Markov processes 
- brief introduction to related topics: fuzzy logic, fractal geometry, deterministic chaos 
Model evaluation 
 
 
Learning goals and qualifications 
Ability to assess and critically evaluate existing models  
Understanding systems and their components 
Ability to translate rules and statistical relationships into algorithms  
Ability to analyse (dynamic) processes and recognize essential functional and structural 
relationships and interdependencies as well as dynamics 
Ability to implement and use simple models to test hypothesis 
 

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Teaching and learning methods 
Lecture (10%), CBT + Lecture (40%), CBT Exercises 40% 
 
Prerequisites 
 
Requirements for registration 
 
Distribution of work load  
Contact hours               80 h (Lectures, pracs, excursion, exam) 
Student learning          45 h (Preparation, reading etc.) 
Proposed assessment 
 
Link to learning resources   
 
Preliminary Reading 
 
Comments 
 

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Module No.  (P/WP) 
Module name 
WP 6 
Non Timber Forest Products and Bioresources 
Module coordinator 
 
Prof. Dr. M. Boppré <boppre@fzi.uni-freiburg.de> 
Additional teaching staff 
Prof. Dr. I. Storch, Prof. Dr. G. Becker, Prof. Dr. H. Schanz, Prof. Dr. S. Fink, Prof. Dr. U. 
Schmidt 
Syllabus 
"Bioresources" are the products and benefits from ecosystems and their plant and animal 
populations  to be used sustainably by people, including "non-timber forest products" in the 
well established meaning.  
Bioresources can be classified as usable, useful or hazardous, which can directly (e.g. meat; 
fruits; pathogens) or indirectly (e.g. pollinators; pests) affect human needs and interests. The 
spectrum reaches from protozoa as pathogens to hunting and ecotourism.  
Animals, plants and fungi do have numerous impacts on man; basic understanding of 
ecological principles in the light of management goals treated to help harnessing 
bioresources. Therefore, markets of bioresources as well as to historic and ethical aspects 
will be considered.  
 
 
Learning goals and qualifications 
Different types of NTFPs and bioresources will be characterised, and their management will 
be studied. Drawing attention to new and innovative ways of generating income by using 
NTFPs and bioresources is the main goal of the course. 
Analysing case studies will lead to the identification of new products from ecosystems.  
Students will appreciate the difficulty in marketing some NTFPs and bioresources.  
 
 

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Teaching and learning methods 
Lectures, self-study, seminars, groupwork 
Prerequisites 
none,  
recommended: propaedeutic self-study according to list of keywords 
Requirements for registration 
None 
Distribution of workload 
Contact hours       50 h (lectures, exam) 
Self-stuy          75 h (preparation, reading) 
Proposed assessment 
Written exam  
Link zu Modulunterlagen 
http://www.fzi.uni-freiburg.de/lehre/..... 
Literatur 
Berenbaum MR (1996) Bugs in the System: Insects and Their Impact on Human Affairs. 
Helix Books 
Freese CH (1998) Wild Species as Commodities. Washington DC: Island Press UBFR NA 
99/392 
Lewington A (1990) Plants for People. London: The Natural History Museum London 
Bemerkungen 
 
 
 

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