Theoretical ecology and population mathematical models represent a form of abstraction of all natural complexity, helping to understand the patterns observed in the field. This course seeks to introduce basic concepts in theoretical ecology through population mathematical models of unique populations and interactions. Thus, topics such as population growth models, interactions between species and theoretical concepts such as stability, and complex population dynamics will be addressed here:

1. Introduction

1.1. Presentation of teachers and students

1.2. Presentation of the course plan

1.3. Teaching-learning methodology

1.4. The subject in the curriculum and integration with other subjects

1.5. The subject in professionals’ and individuals’ training

2. Population model of unique species

2.1. density independent growth in discrete time and continuous time

2.2. density-dependent growth in discrete and continuous time

2.3. complex density-dependent dynamics

3. Competitive population model

3.1. Intraspecific competition

3.2. Interspecific competition

4. Population model of predation

4.1. Functional responses

4.2. generalist predator

4.3. Expert predator

5. Metapopulation models

5.1. occupancy fraction models

5.2. models of metapopulation dynamics