A teaching a learning project funded by the Fund for New Teaching Initiatives of the University of Leicester
During the project a web accessible simulation package will be constructed that will to allow students to explore the response of selected ecosystems to environmental variability and changes..
The overall aim is to create a modelling environment that supports student centred teaching approaches such as student active or problem based learning. The model package will allow students to actively explore the response of ecosystems to changes in factors like climate, soil conditions and species composition and so enhance their understanding of ecosystem processes.
In addition, tutorials will be developed for learning how to use this package including examples.
The main subject matter aim is to allow students to gain a deeper understanding of concepts and processes in biogeography, ecology and plant ecophysiology. By experimenting with the model they can explore the meaning, relevance and consequences of the concepts and the functioning of processes and so gain experience and understanding in a more direct way than in other department based teaching and learning.