This is really a gain and it gives students a visceral feel for what happens when systems evolve and change. I do have a real interest in the social uses of mathematics and feel it is really critical that students not avoid thinking mathematically. But this shouldn't have to force them to simply memorize equations or find simple solutions, but to think systematically and rigorously. I think there is a real utility in mathematics and mathematical literacy that goes outside or beyond the traditional courses. Students today are getting some hints of fractal geometry and chaos from television and it is that sort of thinking, very different from earlier problem solving, that needs to be developed in the 21st century.
Whole systems approaches to things and some understanding of what chaotic behavior is about.
These are the things I want to teach students, but they need to be ready to think about these things. I want them to understand the idea of resilience and complexity are in ecological systems. Solar Energy, mathematical modeling, chaos and fractal geometry, and quantitative biology are all areas where I would like to see some advanced students. I am particularly interested in working with internship contracts where students are working with agencies about some of these issues. In quantitative skills areas there is a basic mathematical literacy, eg.