| CODE |
SCE4102 |
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| TITLE |
Systems Theory |
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| LEVEL |
04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course |
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| ECTS CREDITS |
5 |
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| DEPARTMENT |
Systems and Control Engineering |
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| DESCRIPTION |
This study-unit provides the methodology for dealing with the analysis of complex dynamic systems based on the paradigm of Systems Theory. The study-unit presents the necessary theory underpinning methodologies for understanding and handling system complexity, providing also several examples from varied system domains. This methodology is nowadays an indispensable tool for engineers who are progressively faced with dealing with evermore complex systems.
Modern systems are complex. This study-unit provides a framework based on Systems Theory for representing, modelling, analysing and predicting the behaviour of such complex systems. Various studies from cases such as engineering, finance, ecology, meteorology and social sciences will be considered.
Study-unit Aims
The aims of the study-unit are to:
1. Introduce the paradigm of Systems Theory:
- What constitutes a system; definition and explanation of systems terminology (holism, emergence, isomorphism, feedback loops...); system parameters; system boundaries; inputs, outputs and disturbances.
- Origins of Systems Theory.
- Hierarchy of Complex Systems, with examples from engineering, physical and social sciences.
2. Present the detailed concepts of a system, system properties and characteristics:
- System properties: static and dynamic, causal and anti-causal, deterministic and stochastic.
- System characteristics: time delays, stability, transient and steady state behaviour.
- System complexity: multivariable, adaptive, nonlinear, and chaotic systems.
3. Explain techniques for system representation and modelling:
- System representation: Block diagrams, causal loop diagrams, state diagrams, stock and flow diagrams.
- System modelling: Concepts of dynamic system modelling such as model structure, order, boundaries; differential equation and state-space models of linear systems; concepts of unmodelled dynamics, disturbances and noise.
4. Introduce nonlinear systems analysis:
- Nonlinear state space models, equilibrium points and their stability properties, limit cycles, phase plane analysis, linearization, chaotic dynamics.
5. Present techniques for solving model equations and software simulation:
- Concept of solution space, analytical and numerical solution methodologies, simulation software packages (e.g. Matlab, Simulink, VenSim).
6. Progressively illustrate how a systems approach can be applied for the analysis and understanding of various dynamic systems and complexity issues in engineering, ecology, social sciences and finance.
Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
Given a system description:
- correctly identify the system boundaries;
- describe the system hierarchy and thus identify the system type and a correct representation for the system;
- identify the solution space for a chosen model;
- list all the system inputs, outputs, parameters and disturbances;
- describe and predict important system characteristics such as stability, transient and steady state behaviour.
2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
Given a system description:
- derive a mathematical model correctly describing the system behaviour;
- identify and analyze the dynamic properties of the system;
- derive analytical and/or numerical solutions for the chosen model;
- identify structural properties which give rise to complex dynamic behaviour;
- apply software packages to model and simulate the system.
Main Text/s and any supplementary readings
(availability at the Library or otherwise is indicated against each entry)
Reference Reading
Any one of the following texts:
- Hitchins D.K, 2007, Systems Engineering - A 21st Century Systems Methodology, Wiley. ISBN 978-0-470-05856-5 (not available),
- Sterman J.D., 2000, Business Dynamics : Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World, McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-238915-X (available),
- Kossiakoff A, Sweet W.N., 2003, Systems Engineering - Principles and Practice, Wiley. ISBN 978-0-471-23443-2 (not available) |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES |
Pre-requisite Study-unit: SCE2111 |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE |
Lecture, Practicum & Tutorial |
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| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
| Assessment Component/s |
Resit Availability |
Weighting |
| Presentation |
No |
10% |
| Assignment |
No |
20% |
| Examination (2 Hours)
|
Yes |
70% |
|
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| LECTURER/S |
Kenneth M. Scerri
|
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the study-unit description above applies to the academic year 2012/3, if study-unit is available during this academic year, and may be subject to change in subsequent years.
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22 May 2013
http://www.um.edu.mt/eng/studyunit |
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