Description: This module introduces students to the core concepts, scope, and disciplinary perspectives of ecological forecasting. Through
lectures, case study readings, and seminar discussions, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how ecological forecasts are developed, interpreted, and applied across diverse ecological contexts. The module also introduces the concept of forecasting challenges, providing a basis for the later Forecasting Challenge module.
Learning outcomes:
Explain the key principles, objectives, and disciplinary perspectives that dene the eld of ecological forecasting.
Analyse and critically evaluate real-world case studies to understand how ecological forecasts are constructed and utilised.
Discuss the roles of prediction, uncertainty, and adaptive management within the ecological forecasting framework.
Integrate knowledge from ecology, statistics, modelling, and decision science to describe the interdisciplinary nature of forecasting.
Identify and assess existing forecasting challenges, and articulate criteria for selecting an appropriate challenge for further
study.
Module group: Foundations of Ecological Forecasting
Credits: 5 ECTS
Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Steven Higgins, Dr. Bert van der Veen