Terrestrial systems modeling

Human-caused global change is increasing the need for forecasts and projections of ecological dynamics under a wide range of plausible future conditions. Systems modeling provides a powerful approach for understanding ecological change at individual-organism to global scales and has a rich history in ecology. However, training in systems modeling is not widely available. This course provides basic theory of terrestrial systems modeling and will prepare students to begin to integrate systems modeling into their own research. The course addresses the foundations and history of systems modeling, surveys the state of the science, and introduces students to frontiers in systems modeling. Paper readings will cover a wide range of ecological topics, including forest ecology, biogeochemical cycling, climate change, animal movement, and human land use and land cover change. The course will consist of one seminar per week that will be made up of a few lectures, discussion of assigned readings, and student presentations.