The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Philosophy in System Dynamics. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).
120 ECTS
Autumn
The master´s degree in system dynamics signifies an ability to analyze how and why things change over time. System dynamics builds on the best traditions in science for studying complex dynamic systems to understand how systems´ dynamics originate from the underlying systems´ structure, to investigate how pressing current problems reflect past policies and design alternative policies that may be alleviate these problems. To do so, candidates are trained to develop simulation models that represent the cause-and-effect structure of the systems studied, to derive their dynamics by way of simulation, and to investigate the relationship between the two. This combination of skills encourages collaboration and teamwork in daily decision-making as well as long-range planning.
A candidate who has completed his or her programme should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The candidate
Skills
The candidate
General competence
The candidate
Applicants should hold a Bachelor degree in social sciences, management sciences, natural sciences or engineering sciences. Students from other disciplines, but with a strong interest in System Dynamics, are also invited to apply and will be considered. Applicants should have average grades between A and B and be able to document proficiency in English.
The language requirements for admission to the programme are: TOEFL: minimum 80 (internet based), IELTS > 6.5 or previous degree in English, for example CAE/CPE (copy of degree required). If your first language is English, you will not be required to provide an English language test score. You are considered to be a native speaker of English if you are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, USA or South Africa, and if English was the language in which you gained all your qualifications.
Students write a thesis during the third and fourth semesters. The thesis is a research project where system dynamics modelling and simulation are applied as a basis for systems analysis (identification of the origin of a dynamic problem) and policy design (including impact and feasibility analysis) aiming at a sustainable problem solution. Before choosing thesis topics, students are expected to consult with and gain approval from supervisors. A sample of recent topics includes:
Please note that in order to write a thesis (take the course GEO-SD351), there is a requirement of an average result of C or better after the completion of all mandatory coursework. Only those who have met the required standards will be able to proceed with the programme.
First semester (autumn):
Second semester (spring):
Third semester (autumn):
Either semester:
All courses provide 10 ECTS.
Department of Geography uses a variety of assessments.
At the University of Bergen the student's academic performance is assessed both through final examinations as well as various term assignments.
The grading system has either
Grading A-F is most commonly used.
Master programme in System Dynamics aims to prepare students for an international career in strategic modelling with System Dynamics. The programme will teach you the foundations of system dynamics modelling and how you can apply System Dynamics modelling to a variety of real life complex problems and how you can facilitate the model building process with the client. These skills will enable you to develop the flexibility required to be successful within European and global organisations, whether it be major consultancy firms, strategic planning departments of larger corporations or in public administrations or NGOs. Due to the broad overview you acquire and the systemic approach that is followed in the programme, you are also qualified for more entrepreneurial tasks, either in starting your own company or within established companies.
Department of Geography, System Dynamics group
Studieveileder@geog.uib.no
Systemdynamikk er metoden som blir brukt i masteroppgåva. Med hjelp av grafiske teknikkar og simulering forsøker ein å forstå årsakene til problematisk åtferd i komplekse og dynamiske system. Når årsakene er funne, blir dei same metodane nytta til å finne fram til strategiar og informasjonstiltak som sikrar ei best mogleg utvikling. I
tillegg blir laboratorieeksperiment nytta til å forske på korleis folk resonnerer når dei tek avgjerder i komplekse, dynamiske system og til å prøve ut ulike pedagogiske knep.
Masterprogrammet i systemdynamikk består av syv kurs i løpet av det første året:
Høst
GEO-SD202 (10) - Model based analysis and policy design
GEO-SD203 (10) - System dynamics modelling
GEO-SD304 (10) - Advanced system dynamics modelling
Vår
GEO-SD305 ( 5) - Interactive learning environments
GEO-SD306 (10) - Laboratory experiments and bounded rationality
GEO-SD307 ( 5) - Thesis proposal writing
GEO-SD321 (10) - Model based development planning
Masteroppgave
GEO-SD350 (60) - Thesis
og ein masteroppgåve andre året. Oppgåva svarar til eit års studium. Eit forslag til masteroppgåve må vere akseptert av Institutt for Geografi før studenten formelt får tileigna ein rådgjevar.
All undervisning går på Engelsk.
Det er mogleg, etter søknad til Institutt for geografi, å erstatte eit eller fleire av kursa med ein tilsvarande mengde kurskreditt frå høvelege alternative kurs.
Studentene kan søke om å bli rettleia av ein ekstern professor. Denne må godkjennast av Institutt for Geografi, til dømes ein partnar i SOCRATES (ERASMUS ICP i systemdynamikk).
Kursa består av førelesingar, workshops, seminar og vekes-oppgåver eller kursoppgåver. Desse er obligatoriske for å få ta eksamen. Kursoppgåvene inngår også i karaktersettinga, med ulike vekter for ulike kurs.
Sjå: http://www.ifi.uib.no/sd/
I løpet av det andre semesteret, som eit ledd i GEO-SD307, skal du utarbeide og levere ein søknad om masteroppgåve i systemdynamikk. Du får rettleiing i samanheng med utforming av oppgåvesøknaden, samt under arbeidet med oppgåva. Du inngår ein rettleiingsavtale med instituttet. Oppgåva skal vere eit sjølvstendig arbeid som skal utførast
under rettleiing.
Folk med bakgrunn i systemdynamikk finn ein i svært ulike stillingar. Mest typisk er akademia, konsulentfirma, store selskap, offentlege og ikkje-offentlege organisasjonar. Oppgåvene varierer frå overordna planlegging og strategianalyse til detaljert modellering, systemtenking, administrasjon og til det å stille uortodokse spørsmål og
å vere kreativ.
studere.uib.no/ikt
post@geog.uib.no / 55 58 30 62