Modelling Nature

Volledige vakbeschrijving

The aim of the course is to familiarise students with model systems within the different disciplines of Sciences and Social Sciences. Models allow us to approach complex questions in systematic ways, for instance, by predicting weather conditions, the patterns of bird flight formations or the results of presidential elections. Such questions are present everywhere and it is through modeling that we can try to find some answers. Modelling helps us to break down what we are studying into variables, understand relations or correlations between them and even predict the future. The course starts with a short introduction to models, followed by several case studies that illustrate their usefulness in various contexts. Exposing students to models used both in academia and every- day thinking, the course fosters a thorough understanding of natural and social phenomena. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to link models to specific situations and examples from their daily-life.