Course Info: NS-0140
| Course | NS-0140 Modeling Systems |
| Long Title | Integrated Sciences: Modeling Systems |
| Term | 2017F |
| Note(s) |
Satisfies Distribution Textbook information |
| Meeting Info | Cole Science CenterüCole Science Center 3-OPENü333 on M,WüF from 9:00-10:20ü9:00-10:20 |
| Faculty | Sarah Hews |
| Capacity | 15 |
| Available | 6 |
| Waitlist | 0 |
| Distribution(s) |
Physical and Biological Sciences |
| Cumulative Skill(s) | Quantitative Skills |
| Additional Info | In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. |
| Description | This course is part of an integrated science learning experience combining water resources, mathematical modeling, and microbiology using the Hampshire College Kern Center, built to the Living Building Challenge Standard, as a case study. Students met twice a week to explore the science behind the systems of the living building in their specific discipline. Once a week all three classes (NS132, NS140 and NS156) met together to complete interdisciplinary projects, share expertise, and form a collaborative science learning community. Students read and shared primary literature and worked collaboratively on projects. We learned about the campus living building from the architects and design engineers, took field tours, and met faculty across campus engaged with the project. Students enrolled in NS140, "Modeling Systems," focused on using mathematical models to understand the water and energy systems in the living building. We learned what mathematical models are and when, why, and how to analyze them. We then built simple models of systems in the Kern Center including the cycling of nutrients in the indoor planters and the energy production by the solar panels. |