A population is a collection of individuals of the same species that live together in a region. Population ecology is the study of populations (especially population abundance) and how they change over time. Crucial to this study are the various interactions between a population and its resources. Studies on simple models of interacting species is the main focus this simulation oriented lab. Lab I focuses on introduction of principles of population ecology for UG/PG students.
Analyze Population Growth: To model and compare continuous, discrete, and logistic population growth, understanding how carrying capacity and breeding seasons affect population density.
Evaluate Species Interactions: To investigate interspecific competition, competitive exclusion, and coexistence, and to observe how these interactions define species borders.
Apply Matrix Population Models: To project population changes and demographics over time using Age-Structured and Stage-Structured Leslie Matrices.
Understand Spatial & Trophic Dynamics: To simulate complex ecological scenarios including metapopulation dynamics (Levin’s Model), parasitoid-host interactions, and the spatial invasion of pest populations.
Implement Conservation Strategies: To apply population dynamics modeling to the real-world management and recovery of endangered species.
UG
Undergraduate (UG) Students: Students pursuing bachelor's degrees in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
PG
Postgraduate (PG) Students: Students pursuing master's degrees in similar life science disciplines who need to study the simple models of interacting species, population dynamics, and ecosystem behaviors.
This lab aligns directly with core ecology, environmental science, and biotechnology courses across standard undergraduate (B.Sc./B.Tech) and postgraduate (M.Sc.) curricula, including AICTE and UGC frameworks.
BIO 103: Principles of Ecology and Evolution.
BIO 315: Industrial & Environmental Biotechnology.
BTC 305 / KU6 DSC BTC 305: Ecology and Environmental Biotechnology.
BT1923112 / BT302: Environmental Biotechnology.
EVS 201 / EVT 301: Environmental Studies / Ecosystem Dynamics.
ZO 202: Ecology and Animal Behavior.
UGC CBCS B.Sc. Biotechnology.
Standard M.Sc. Biotechnology.
AICTE Core Curriculum for B.Tech/B.E.
Standard B.Sc. Zoology/Biological Sciences.