PREREQUISITES:
Undergraduate level algebra, knowledge of calculus and introductory differential equations (strongly preferred), and computer proficiency. Please consult with instructor for details.
DESCRIPTION:
This course is offered through a joint effort of the Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (AOSC and ESSIC, part of UMD’s College of Mathematical and Natural Sciences) and the Joint Global Change Research Institute (part of US Dept of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory). The course focuses on exploring the relationships between water, climate, land and energy (the so called “nexus”) through an interwoven understanding of the physical, economic and institutional constraints of water resources issues and consideration of climate-related impacts on management and decision-making process in water supply, energy generation and food production. A general modeling framework is developed using integrated assessment models (IAM). Lectures will be complemented with online discussion sessions and real-world based modeling exercises to get hands-on knowledge of practical solutions to nexus challenges. Open to students of all backgrounds.