The mathematical ecology group will study the mathematics of ecological processes and patterns such as population growth, competition among individuals and species, and how the environment affects the shape of organisms. We will spend time in the laboratory learning about intra- and inter-specific competition, and we will visit field sites to learn how organisms respond to different environments. We will investigate a variety of mathematical approaches for modelling ecological processes, ranging from the use of difference and differential equations to incorporating matrices and statistics. In addition to laboratory and field work, students will learn how to use mathematical and ecological modeling software to discover more about ecological processes and patterns. Students will work in small groups to design and implement a research project which will be based on a combination of the literature, field or laboratory data, and mathematical modelling. Graphical display of the data, and oral and written presentation of results will be part of every project.