Dynamics of Complex Systems: Ecological Theory
This MIT graduate seminar builds a theoretical and phenomenological foundation for studying ecological systems through computational models. The class meets twice weekly for roundtable discussions that work through both classical papers and recent literature in ecological theory, tracing how population dynamics, species interactions, and ecosystem-level patterns have been modeled mathematically over time. Rather than lectures, the format centers on close reading and group critique of primary research, pushing students to evaluate the assumptions behind influential models and connect them to real ecological data. Materials include the reading list and discussion topics published through MIT OpenCourseWare, free to access with no certificate offered. The course suits students who already have some grounding in ecology or dynamical systems and want to engage directly with the theoretical literature that shapes computational approaches to complex ecosystems.