Description
- Examines four phases of the modeling process: conceptual model formulation, quantitative model specification, model evaluation, and model use
- Provides useful building blocks for constructing systems simulation models
- Includes a format for reporting the development and use of simulation models
- Offers an integrated systems perspective for students, faculty, and professionals
- Features helpful insights from the author, gained over 30 years of university teaching
"I can strongly recommend the book as textbook for all courses in population dynamic modeling particularly when the course is planned for the second or third year of a bachelor study in ecology, environmental science or ecological engineering. It uncovers very clearly for the readers the scientific idea and thinking behind modeling and all the necessary steps in the development of models."
Ecological Modeling Journal, 2009
About the Author
Bill Grant has taught ecological modeling in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (WFSC) at Texas A&M University since 1976, has served on the Board of Governors and as President of the International Society for Ecological Modeling, and has been Associate Editor of the international journal Ecological Modelling since 1997.
Todd Swannack also has taught ecological modeling in WFSC at Texas A&M University, and has been modeling the population dynamics of endangered species since 2002.
Reviews
"In addition, it has the advantage that it is draws heavily on the knowledge of one of the world's most experienced ecological modellers, Bill Grant, a former President of the International Society for Ecological Modeling, and an editor of the journal Ecological Modelling." (Biodivers Conserv, 2011)
Grant and Swannack are to be commended for their attempt to strip ecological modelling of its complexities and present the bare bones for beginners.... I found the book to be very well written, clear and inclusive of all basic theory for deterministic ecological modelling. The book is admirably concise, which will appeal to many." (Austral Ecology, May 2009)
"This is an excellent textbook in population dynamic modeling. The very core of the system approach and system thinking is explained very clearly and in a way that encourages the readers to go modeling." (Ecological Modelling, January 2009)
"This book is valuable for its listing of 39 common pitfalls of model development; the 60 citations dividing into four categories of models that can serve as the starting point for most ecological modeling approaches; and the fractal beauty of it all." (CHOICE, January 2009)
"A key feature of the book is the use of case studies which are based on straightforward ecological questions with a practical interest." (Environmental Conservation, September 2008)
Book Information
ISBN 9781405161688
Author William E. Grant
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 318g
Dimensions(mm) 249mm * 173mm * 8mm
