This course is part of a unique partnership with the Semester in Environmental Science (SES) of Marine Biological Laboratories (MBL). This program is open to students who have completed courses in chemistry, biology, and math and discussed their interest with the Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and are prepared to spend the semester at MBL in Woods Hole, Long Island. This is one of five courses in the semester-length program and is an elective. The material is designed to move students beyond statistical reasoning (Regression, Correlation, Analysis of Variance, Ordination) to other components of quantitative reasoning including, dynamic simulation modeling of ecological processes. Students will be introduced to the role of models in science, review basic calculus as it applies to the mass-balance equation (using a computer to do the “ hard math”), complete six programming modules and then develop a term project using a model shell and set of equations to simulate the ecological processes of their interest such as ecosystem element cycles, population dynamics, or community interactions. The project culminates with a manuscript that describes the model as would be appropriate for an academic journal. This course satisfies the Intermediate Level Course requirement and/or the LMTH2050 Math Models requirement for the Interdisciplinary Science Major. Permission of the Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics required and an application to the Semester in Environmental Science. For more info see: https://www.mbl.edu/ses/ and select “courses” from the top of the menu. Applications are due by February 1 internally to the Chair.