0:05 → 0:12
This course is an introduction to the area of Systems Ecology, the application of Systems Theory to the study of ecosystems.
0:12 → 0:21
Systems Ecology uses mathematical modeling and computation to try and understand the networks of interactions between biotic and abiotic elements,
0:21 → 0:25
that give rise to the complex system of an ecology on all scales.
0:25 → 0:28
From modeling the flow of energy within a microbial ecosystem,
0:28 → 0:32
to trying to understand the nonlinear dynamics of Earth's entire biosphere.
0:34 → 0:41
Taking an integral an interdisciplinary approach, it bridges many areas from physics and biology to the social sciences.
0:41 → 0:47
Whereas traditional ecology has studied ecosystems with little reference to human society,
0:47 → 0:55
systems ecology breaks down this barrier to include industrial ecologies as an integral part of Earth's systems in the era of the Anthropocene,
0:55 → 1:03
when understanding the complex interaction between society and ecology is central to gaining traction on major contemporary environmental challenges.
1:05 → 1:12
This course is focused on providing you with the core principles and concepts in system ecology and is broken down into three main sections:
1:12 → 1:23
In the first section we will be laying down the basics of systems theory in ecology as we talk about energetics, thermodynamics, emergent integrative levels and ecosystem dynamics.
1:25 → 1:30
Next we will be looking at nonlinear systems theory within ecology as we talk about feedback loops,
1:30 → 1:39
how ecosystems self-organized, the nonlinear dynamics of abrupt ecosystem regime shifts, stability landscapes and ecological networks.
1:41 → 1:45
The final section will be dedicated to socio-ecological systems,
1:45 → 1:53
we will firstly talk about the new geological era of the Anthropocene and the rapidly changing relationship between ecosystem and society.
1:53 → 2:01
We will look at the area of industrial ecology, models for interpreting socio-ecological systems, their adaptive capacity and resilience.
2:01 → 2:06
Finally we will take an overview to the new area of sustainability science.
2:07 → 2:10
This course is a non-technical introduction,
2:10 → 2:18
some background in the Natural Sciences or Systems Theory would be of advantage but not necessary as the course should be accessible to anyone with an interest in the subject.