| CODE | IES5009 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Systems Dynamics | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Institute of Earth Systems | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces the science of systems modeling, as practiced in the field of system dynamics. Students will learn how to apply causal feedback analysis in order to describe problems and challenges in sustainability using the language and tools of system dynamics. Students will learn how to develop and evaluate a dynamic hypothesis for the dynamic behavior of a system over time, with applications taken from fisheries, farming practices, economics, and climate change. Students will also be introduced to stock and flow modeling as a method for accounting for system states, inertia, and delays in system behavior. Study-unit Aims: This study-unit aims to enable students: - To learn how to describe problems and challenges in sustainability using the language and concepts of systems thinking; - To formulate hypotheses for the roots of sustainability problems and challenges in such a way that accounts for the underlying feedback dynamics behind those problems; - To evaluate dynamic hypotheses using qualitative analysis methods; - To use existing system dynamics models to evaluate policy and explore options for addressing problems in sustainability. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Describe a five-step process for a system dynamics problem solving effort; - Articulate a problem in sustainable environmental resource management from a systems framework; - Formulate and evaluate a dynamic hypothesis for the system-based roots of a problem in sustainable environmental resource management; - Use causal loop diagrams and an appropriate narrative to articulate system structure and feedback dynamics; - Explain how feedback dynamics impact system behavior over time; - Build and validate simple system models for exponential growth, goal-seeking behavior, s-shaped growth, overshoot and collapse, with applications to population dynamics and ecosystem services. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Articulate and describe problems from a systems perspective; - Recognize when a systems perspective is necessary and when it is not; - Conduct background research on the problem to identify the “state of the art” in our understanding, as well as the gaps that are yet to be addressed; - Translate your understanding into a dynamic hypothesis that attempts to explain the underlying systems relationships and dynamics that give rise to the problem. You will do this using causal loop diagrams, feedback analysis, stocks, and flows; - Translate your dynamic hypothesis into a simple (rudimentary) simulation model that you can build and evaluate against reality; - Present your analysis both orally and in writing to peers and professors, while using instructional technology/multi-media tools; - Use appropriate software packages to aid in all these tasks. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main text: Sterman, J.D. (2000). Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. Boston, MA, USA: Irwin-McGraw-Hill. Supplementary readings: Meadows, D. H., Randers, J., & Meadows, D. L. (2004). Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update. VT, USA: Chelsea Green Publishing, White River Junction. Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in Systems: A Primer. VT, USA: Chelsea Green Publishing, White River Junction. Boardmand, J., & Sauser, B. (2008). Systems Thinking: Coping with 21st Century Problems. LA, USA: CRC Press, Taylor and Frances Group, Boca Raton. |
||||||||||||
| ADDITIONAL NOTES | ** Resits will be held during the period indicated by the partner institution responsible for the study-unit in accordance with the regulations applicable at the respective institution. | ||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Group Learning | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Rod H MacDonald |
||||||||||||
|
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 description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||||||||