Objective

This course provides an introduction to working with complex models, where complex here means large systems with many interdependencies such as the atmosphere, the biosphere, the economic system or an ecosystem. The aim is to learn how to understand and communicate model structure and principles, explore sensitivities and uncertainties, establish the domain at which the model is valid, and communicate and discuss results.

Prerequisites

Sound basics in statistics, programming in R and (ecological) modeling

Topics

Design and analysis of complex models (global circulation models, earth system models, (global) dynamic vegetation models, ecosystem models, macroeconomic models, “world” models); parameter estimation, validation, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, visualization.

Information for course participants

Past Courses