13837 - Agro-Ecosystems Analysis and Modelling Modulübersicht

Module Number: 13837
Module Title:Agro-Ecosystems Analysis and Modelling
  Analyse und Modellierung von Agrarökosystemen
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. Webber, Heidi
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every winter semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:
  • describe and analyze agricultural systems using system analysis terms and concepts;
  • develop a simple dynamic model of a process affecting crop development or growth using the R programming language;
  • conduct model calibration, evaluation and sensitivity analysis;
  • design a model based assessment of the performance and sustainability of a cropping system; and
  • critically reflect on scientific studies reporting simulation results.
Contents:With the range of challenges facing crop production systems, systems analysis and simulation modelling are frequently applied analytical tools to assess improved crop management and improve understanding of how crop systems functioning. Systems approaches represent a scientific concept in which the real world is divided into systems. These systems are captured into models Applied at a range of scales (canopy, (sub-) field, agroecosystem, regional or global), they can be used as scientific tools to test hypothesis of crop behavior, informing and aiding in experimental interpretation. The course consists of three main learning areas: systems dynamics and model development; model performance & model evaluation; model applications.
Recommended Prerequisites:Good quantitative skills, basic knowledge of statistics, basic knowledge of scripting in R
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Exercise / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:TBD
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:
  • Report of the project #1, model development:
    description and schematic of the conceptual model, R-script, discussion (40%)
    working in groups of 2 or 3 students
  • Report of the project #2, model application:
    description and schematic of the topic selected, R-sript, discussion (40%)
    working in groups of 2 or 3 students
  • Preparation and leading of one group seminar and active participation in other 3 seminars:
    30 min discussion on an assigned article presenting a model simulation study (20%)
    working in groups of 3 or 4 students
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:30
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2011
  • Master (research-oriented) - Double Degree / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Abschluss im Ausland / Euro Hydroinformatics and Water Management / keine PO
Remarks:No offer in WiSe 2023/24
Module Components:Lectures, seminars and computer based exercises
Components to be offered in the Current Semester: