Recently it has become clear that many systems may go through critical transitions or tipping points. Not only ecosystems, but also the climate, depressed patients and financial markets may suddenly undergo dramatic change. After a tipping point it may be difficult or impossible to restore the original situation. Therefore, there is a strong need to predict the occurrence of such transitions beforehand. Recently we have made much progress by the identification of generic indicators of the proximity to a tipping point, so-called early warning signals. This theory has been developed using mathematical models of various complexity. In this course you will learn the theory of critical transitions and how to apply this in your own study. It will involve an intensive course on the analysis of mathematical models, and an introduction in early warning signals. The second part of the course consists of (making a plan) how to apply modelling or tipping points in your own work.
After the course the student:
Target Group | The course is aimed at PhD candidates and other academics |
Group Size | Max. 30 participants |
Course duration | 1 week (+ a return day or contact by email in the week after the course) |
Language of instruction | English |
Frequency of recurrence | Every two years |
Number of credits | 2 ECTS |
Lecturers | Prof. Marten Scheffer and Dr. Egbert van Nes (Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University) |
Prior knowledge | Basic knowledge of differential equation models and numerical integration. Some knowledge of MATLAB may be helpful. No emphasis on mathematics, but more simulation and use of models in practice. |
Location | To be determined |
Generally, the following fees apply for this course, but note that the actual fees may be somewhat different for the next edition of this course.
PE&RC / WIMEK / WASS/ EPS / VLAG / WIAS PhD candidates with an approved TSP | € 200,- |
All others PhD candidates | € 400,- |
Post-docs and staff of PE&RC and WIMEK | € |
1 The course fee includes a reader, full board, and accommodation.
2 Those defending their thesis at Wageningen University and those that are a member of IBED Amsterdam or VU Amsterdam
?
PE&RC Office
Phone: +31 (0) 317 485426
Email: office.pe@wur.nl
This course is currently closed for registration, and will re-open once a new edition of this course is scheduled.