Computer Modeling and Science
The creation of computer models is an integral part of modern science. In this course we will learn about computer models in astronomy, ballistics, chemistry, economics, epidemiology, genetics, global warming and sustainability studies. Along the way, you will gain:
- Insight into the scientific process;
- Understanding of the challenges made to science on non-scientific grounds, particularly critiques of evolution and global warming theories;
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel ®, the most widely used computational engine and business;
- Credit for the GenEdIII Quantitative Studies requirement (or Area D Science and Technology in the "old" core).
Fall 2009 Lecture Schedule
| Day | Date | Topic | Readings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | Aug 17 | Modeling, science, and knowledge | Notes, chapter M | |
| W | Aug 19 | Modeling, science, and knowledge | ||
| F | Aug 21 | Linear models | Notes, chapter LM | |
| M | Aug 24 | Linear models and regression analysis | Notes, chapter LM | |
| M | Aug 28 | Linear models and regression analysis | Limits, chapter 1 | |
| F | Aug 28 | Discrete models and probability | Notes, chapter D | |
| M | Aug 31 | Discrete models and probability | Notes, chapter D | |
| W | Sep 2 | Dynamic models: population and exponentials | Notes, chapter P | |
| F | Sep 4 | Exponential and logistic population growth | Limits, chapter 2 | |
| M | Sep 7 | Labor Day holiday -- Yippee! | ||
| W | Sep 9 | Logistic population growth and stability | Notes, chapter P | |
| F | Sep 11 | Economic models | Notes, chapter Ec | |
| M | Sep 14 | Keynesian and monetarist views | Notes, chapter Ec | |
| W | Sep 16 | Markets and Sustainability | Limits, Ch. 6 | |
| Th | Sep 17 | Review for Test 1: 6:30 pm | ||
| F | Sep 18 | Test 1 -- Comprehensive | ||
| M | Sep 21 | Test 1 Solutions; Ballistics | Notes, chapter B | |
| W | Sep 23 | Ballistics: computation and error in models | Notes, chapter B | |
| F | Sep 25 | Ballistics in war: the Paris Gun | Handout | |
| M | Sep 28 | Astronomy and scientific revolutions | Notes, chapter A | |
| W | Sep 30 | Astronomy and scientific revolutions | Notes, Chapter A | |
| F | Oct 2 | Big things hitting Earth | Notes, Chapter A | |
| M | Oct 5 | Extinction and evolution | Notes, chapter Ev | |
| W | oct 7 | DNA family trees and "Eve" | Notes, chapter Ev | |
| F | Oct 9 | Evolution vs. Intelligent Design | --- | |
| M | Oct 12 | State and flow models: epidemiology | Notes, chapters Ep1 & Ep2 | |
| W | Oct 14 | Epidemiology: public health & the AIDS epidemic | Notes, chapter Ep2 | |
| F | Oct 16 | Stella modeling of epidemics | Notes, chapter Ep2 | |
| M | Oct 19 | The Limits to Growth | Notes, chapter L1; Limits, chapter 3 | |
| W | Oct 21 | Limits to Growth: Human Population | Notes, chapter L1 | |
| Th | Oct 22 | Last day to withdraw without penalty | ||
| F | Oct 23 | Limits to Growth: Peak Oil | Notes, chapter L2 | |
| M | Oct 26 | |||
| W | Oct 28 | |||
| F | Oct 30 | Fall Break! Yippee! | ||
| M | Nov 2 | Atmospheric Science | --- | |
| W | Nov 4 | The Ozone story | Limits, Chapter 5 | |
| F | Nov 6 | Test 2 -- Comprehensive | ||
| M | Nov 9 | Test 2 solutions; sustainability | ||
| W | Nov 11 | Simple models of society using Stella | Notes, chapter S | |
| F | Nov 13 | The WORLD3 model and the "nightmare scenario" | Notes, chapter S | |
| M | Nov 16 | Global warming: forcings, feedbacks, and buffers | Notes, Chapter W | |
| W | Nov 18 | Global warming: emissions and consequences | Notes, Chapter W | |
| F | Nov 20 | James Hansen on avoiding catastrophic global warming | --- | |
| M | Nov 23 | Thanksgiving Holiday! Yippee!! | ||
| W | Nov 25 | |||
| F | Nov 27 | |||
| M | Nov 30 | International politics of global warming (Guest Lecture!) | ||
| W | Dec 2 | Global warming: the contrarians | --- | |
| F | Dec 4 | The Gaia Hypothesis | Notes L4 | |
| M | Dec 7 | Transitions to a sustainable world system | Limits, Chapter 7 | |
| T | Dec 8 | Course Summary and Final Exam review | ||
| W | Dec 9 | Reading Day (no class) | ||
| M | Dec 4 | Final Exam -- Comprehensive! 8:00 AM! | ||