The ELME program consists of three week-long math courses (Math 490) followed by a 4 week field ecology / evolution course (ZOL/PLB 440). These courses can be taken individually, or in combination with other KBS courses. If the maximum class sizes are reached, however, priority will be given to students enrolling in the full ELME program. Enrollment in any of the MTH 490 courses requires prior authorization of the ELME program director via the online application.

Dr. Robin E. Snyder
Case Western Reserve University

This first unit will focus on using differential equations to model the dynamics of populations, including logistic growth, competition, and predator-prey systems. Classic issues will be modeled such as saturating functional responses.  Ecological Dynamics by Gurney and Nisbet will be used as the text for this course. 1 credit.

Prereq: ZOL 355 (Ecology) or equivalent, and a college calculus course. 
Restrictions: Apply via application for permission to enroll.

Outline of course (2008)

Dr. Christopher Klausmeier
Michigan State University

Covers dynamic models of ecosystem processes including primary production, decomposition, and nutrient cycling in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Links community and ecosystem ecology by combining material, energetic and Darwinian approaches. 1 credit.

Prereq: ZOL 355 (Ecology) or equivalent, and a college calculus course. 
Restrictions: Apply via application for permission to enroll.

Dr. Donald Schoolmaster
Michigan State University

This unit will introduce students to maximum likelihood analysis as a flexible technique to test theoretical models against empirical data. The course will cover basic probability distributions and maximum likelihood estimation techniques and provide a brief introduction to Bayesian statistics from an applied perspective. 1 credit. 

Prereq: ZOL 355 (Ecology) or equivalent, and a college calculus course. 

Restrictions: Apply via application for permission to enroll.

Dr. Gary Mittelbach and Dr. Jeff Conner
Michigan State University

A field-based, problem-solving course designed for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students. Students are introduced to conceptual and practical research approaches in ecology and evolution through a variety of field studies on plants and animals. Research projects are co-designed. 4 credits. 

Prereq: ZOL 355 (Ecology) or equivalent.