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Natural Environment Research Council
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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/M006239/1

Introduction to mathematical modelling for the environmental and biological sciences

Training Grant Award

Lead Supervisor:
Professor R Norman, University of Stirling, Complex Systems
Science Area:
Earth
Marine
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Terrestrial
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Global Change
Science Topics:
Animal diseases
Parasitology
Climate & Climate Change
Population Ecology
Mathematical Analysis
Abstract:
Students in the biological sciences are increasingly turning to mathematical modelling in the era of big data, the three Rs of animal testing, and remote sensing. Modelling can help them to make sense of complex biological interactions and can help them to make predictions about what might happen in different future scenarios such as finding the optimal way to control a disease or determining how climate change will impact on different populations. However, the students often lack the background necessary to create their own mathematical or statistical models. This course, run by mathematicians, physicists and ecologists with experience in epidemiology and terrestrial and marine ecology, aims to address this skills gap by providing an introduction to basic modelling concepts and a guide to using common skills. We will guide the students through the key steps of researching the question, formulating the model framework, parameterising the model, and model criticism. They will be exposed to a range of modelling techniques and approaches and their pros and cons in terms of what questions they are most appropriate for. We ran the course last year and found from that experience that they greatly valued the course, they feel better equipped to read papers which involve models and really appreciated the opportunity to build mathematical models of their own system with expert support. We are still in contact with some of them and continue to help them to develop their models.
Period of Award:
1 Jan 2015 - 31 Mar 2015
Value:
£24,725
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/M006239/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Doctoral Training
Grant Status:
Closed

This training grant award has a total value of £24,725  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - Other Costs
£24,725

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