Time Schedule:
Alison Cullen
PB AF 597
Seattle Campus
Examines how science contributes to decisions that involve the natural environment; how science and scientists help frame debates and decisions; how scientific findings are incorporated into decision-making processes; how scientists and non-scientists deal with uncertainty about scientific questions. Offered: Sp.
Class description
This course examines how science contributes to decisions that involve the natural environment: how science and scientists help frame debates and decisions; how scientific findings are incorporated into decision-making processes; how scientists and nonscientists deal with uncertainty about scientific questions.
Student learning goals
Use decision analytic and precautionary frameworks to analyze complex environmental decisions - develop an appreciation of both the "role" and the "limits" of analysis under uncertainty
Build and solve decision tree structures
Identify and address issues of variability and uncertainty in information
Develop probabilistic descriptions of uncertainty and variability in information based on empirical measurement, models and expert judgement
Identify and address issues of temporal scale and spatial scale in decisions
Identify and characterize tradeoffs in decisions
Assess the relevant and driving characteristics of risk in decisions
General method of instruction
The class will include lectures, class discussion, interactive exercises and guest speakers.
Recommended preparation
The prerequisite is a graduate level course in probability and statistics or other commensurate quantitative analysis course.
Class assignments and grading
Grading is based on an exam, a project, five homework assignments and participation in class.
