Populations, Randomness, and Heterogeneity

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with all the skills necessary to understand and apply the concepts and methods underlying the quantitative study of population phenomena. The main methods for analyzing and modeling these phenomena will be addressed from both a theoretical (formal calculations) and practical (statistics, simulations) perspective, using examples that explore different phylogenetic scales (microbial dynamics, invasive species, human demography), spatial (from local to global) and temporal (transient and steady-state regimes, eco-evolutionary coupling), with particular attention paid to heterogeneity (spatial, genetic, or phenotypic) and randomness (stochasticity, uncertainties) characteristic of populations or inherent in their study.

Be familiar with the theoretical concepts and tools used to approach the study of population phenomena, taking into account aspects of heterogeneity and randomness. Qualitatively understand the deterministic and stochastic processes underlying population dynamics. Be able to quantitatively analyze population data. Be able to model a population phenomenon in order to understand, describe, and predict its dynamics. Be able to understand and discuss a research study on the analysis or modeling of a population phenomenon.

Comprehensive ongoing assessment: 100%