Computer modeling capabilities in ecology

In recent years, pedagogy has repeatedly raised the problem of computer literacy of students whose training profile is not related to mathematics, physics, and technology. In this case, there is a strong opinion that some basics of computer literacy should still be given to humanities students, and even more so to biologists and ecologists. Our position is based on the fact that computer literacy in biologists and ecologists should be based on real (applied) tasks. In this regard, we introduce elements of mathematical modeling, as sections of systems ecology, into the training of ecologists. In particular, the basic models of Malthus, Lotka-Volterra, epidemic theory, etc. are considered in the form of computer models. Ecology students (bachelors, masters, graduate students) work on computers to model and predict the dynamics of population explosion, single-species model with feedback, two-species model, etc. Problems of optimal implementation of anti-epizootic measures are solved. Students study effective methods of population management on the computer. At the same time, they learn the basics of Basic programming to realize dynamic population models. As a result, future ecologists become computer literate.