This course is an opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience with developing effective approaches to solving complex environmental problems. You will learn fundamental quantitative concepts and then apply them to issues such as global warming, sudden catastrophes, and the effects of steady flow of wind and water on Earth's surface. In the process, we will explore mathematical patterns that are common to all of the natural sciences. By the end of the course, you will be able to use complex curve-fitting at appropriate times, design effective experiments that will produce profound results, and recognize interesting problems all around you.

Sept. 3: As we enter the first week of classes, please see me if you have any questions about the course. In particular, many people have asked about how much math is involved in the course, and what type of math background you need to succeed. This is a quantitative class, and almost every lecture and assignment will involve math. You should be comfortable with algebra and geometry, and you should be willing to put some effort into improving your math skills. You DO NOT need to have taken calculus. There will be enough material to challenge those who have a high amount of comfort with math and those who need some guidance.