Quantitative Research in Sustainability
offered by Harvard University

Private University
3 Campuses
Estd. 1636

Quantitative Research in Sustainability
at
Harvard University
Overview

In this course, students will conduct practical exercises illustrating a range of measurement and modeling techniques, including statistical analysis of ecological and environmental data and system dynamics modeling.

Mode of learning	Online
Difficulty level	Intermediate
Official Website	Go to Website
Course Level	UG Certificate

Quantitative Research in Sustainability
at
Harvard University
Highlights

Earn a certificate after completion of the course

Quantitative Research in Sustainability
at
Harvard University
Course details

Skills you will learn

Excel Statistics Simulation Data analysis Communication skills

Who should do this course?

Primary Care Physicians
Specialty Physicians
Psychologists
Nurse Practitioners
Pharmacists
Social Workers
Nurses
Physician Assistants
Other Allied Health Professionals

More about this course

Understanding the dynamics of complex ecological and environmental systems and designing policies to promote their sustainability is a formidable challenge that requires analytical and measurement savvy. Both the practitioner and policymaker must be able to evaluate scientific research, recognizing fundamental pitfalls in research design data interpretation, and contextual relevance. Computational modeling tools have allowed for more dynamic and accurate predictions of complex environmental and ecological systems, though simulation output is only as valid as the quality of the input data. Analyzing the integrity of measurement scenarios is critical; what omissions and limitations might bias an outcome, and how might human behavioral interactions cause scenario modeling to differ from quantitative predictions. To learn these skills, students enrolled in this course conduct practical exercises illustrating a range of measurement and modeling techniques, including statistical analysis of ecological and environmental data and system dynamics modeling. Building on these methods, skill development also includes scientific writing, critiquing primary research literature, negotiating environmental resource rights, and accurately communicating environmental science in non-technical language. Course activities are rooted in core issues of environmental and sustainability sciences — climate change, human population dynamics, population viability analysis of endangered species, economic appraisal of projects that impact natural resources, impacts of built and natural environments on human health, and climate justice. Quantitative techniques are taught at an introductory level; some data analysis and simulation modeling are conducted using Excel spreadsheets.

Quantitative Research in Sustainability
at
Harvard University
Curriculum

Describe key issues and principles of pain management with opioids, including equianalgesic dosing, common side effects, addiction, tolerance, and dependence.

Develop practical strategies for discussing patient fears, hopes, goals, and wishes for care in the face of serious illness and at the end of life, including balancing hope and honesty in discussing treatment options and dealing with the ethical, psychosocial, and spiritual issues that arise.

Demonstrate approaches to working with diverse patient populations, different diseases, challenging scenarios, and various settings.

Assess and manage physical, psychological, social, and spiritual/existential sources of suffering for patients and their families dealing with serious illnesses or towards the end of life.

Improve the access to quality palliative care for all people with serious illness regardless of setting, diagnosis, prognosis, or age?.