Modeling and Assessment for Policy

An xkcd comic showing a physicist condescendingly "solving" a complicated problem of another scientist.

Scientific information and quantitative models can be used to inform policy decision-making (or you could just ask a physicist). Courtesy of Randall Munroe. License: CC-BY-NC.

Instructor(s)

MIT Course Number

IDS.410J / 12.844J / (formerly ESD.864)

As Taught In

Spring 2013

Level

Graduate

Cite This Course

Course Description

Course Features

Course Description

IDS.410J Modeling and Assessment for Policy explores how scientific information and quantitative models can be used to inform policy decision-making. Students will develop an understanding of quantitative modeling techniques and their role in the policy process through case studies and interactive activities. The course addresses issues such as analysis of scientific assessment processes, uses of integrated assessment models, public perception of quantitative information, methods for dealing with uncertainties, and design choices in building policy-relevant models. Examples used in this class focus on models and information used in earth system governance.

Other Versions

Related Content

Noelle Selin. IDS.410J Modeling and Assessment for Policy. Spring 2013. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw.mit.edu. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.


For more information about using these materials and the Creative Commons license, see our Terms of Use.


Close