Study

Certificate course in

Spatial Modelling of Biological Ecosystem Properties

Accurate spatial information about biological ecosystem properties is a requirement for developing policy and managing natural resources. Information about green biomass, species, assemblages and diversity serves a wide range of purposes in environmental management. Remote sensing may enable direct mapping of such biological properties. Frequently however indirect approaches are used, where environmental conditions are used to predict the distribution of the biological variable of interest.

For whom is the course relevant?

This course aims to strengthen skills in developing models to predict the distribution of biological variables for purposes such as biological or environmental conservation, biodiversity assessment, and the determination of species richness and species distribution.

What will be achieved?

On completion of the course, you will be able to select appropriate models for estimating biological ecosystem properties and apply these to real-world situations.

Recommended knowledge

Basic knowledge of ecology and statistics.

What is the course content?

• The course starts by introducing a number of advanced modelling techniques, such as hyperspectral and hypertemporal data modelling, biogeography, neural networks, advanced multivariate and regression models, and expert system models.
• Available environmental predictor variables are described.
• Multi-collinearity diagnostics and spatial auto-correlation are explored.
• The techniques are applied to specific thematic application areas such as biodiversity modelling, species distribution probabilities and habitat requirements.
• Trends and multitemporal and hypertemporal analysis are covered.
• Model calibration, validation, data quality and error propagation are explored.

Why choose this course?

If you want to learn more about mapping biological properties and processes, species distribution, biodiversity modelling, spatial auto-correlation, multi-collinearity and model calibration and validation in a GIS environment, this course is for you.

Admission requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the Certificate programme should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field.

Skills in taught or related subjects are a prerequisite for some courses in the Certificate programme or separate modules. Even if the applicant satisfies the overall admission requirements, acceptance is not automatic.

As all courses are given in English, proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. Those who have English as their mother tongue, or were taught in the English language up to university level, are exempted from an English language test. Please note: the requirements when applying for fellowships may vary according to the regulations of the fellowship provider.

Only internationally recognised test results are accepted.

Although introductory lessons on computer skills are scheduled in the Certificate programme, applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.