Dynamic Modeling of Human and Environmental Systems

Catalog description

This course will provide hands-on experience in the construction and simulation of dynamic models to represent human and environmental systems. The paradigm case of such systems is diffusion over space and time: diffusion of ideas by word of mouth, diffusion of diseases by contact between individuals, and diffusion of forest fires and invasive species across landscapes. A range of modeling paradigms will be covered, from continuous representations of system dynamics to discrete interactions of individual/agent-based models.  Exercises and readings will be provided from a variety of sources reflecting current challenges that practitioners face in the multi-disciplinary field of dynamic modeling.