Express knowledge and understanding
Students gain extended knowledge about the System Dynamics method with particular emphasis on model based problem identification and analysis as well as hypothesis formulation and analysis in policy design. They also gain knowledge about the intimate relationship that exists between structure and behaviour (dynamics) in non-linear systems and the shifts in causal loop governance that may take place in such systems. They gain knowledge about the significance of a robust strategy development, the associated policy design and the resulting decision making (i.e. management). The students will know of the basic concepts of systems dynamics theory, methods, techniques and tools.
Apply knowledge and understanding
Students will apply their knowledge in a series of comprehensive case studies that will be presented in class. Students are challenged to investigate the turbulent dynamics arising from an underlying, non-linear structure by way of computer based modelling and simulation. Particular emphasis will be placed on their recognition of dynamic patterns of problem behaviour and the corresponding underlying structures, as well as their ability to propose and evaluate policies to address such problems. Students are trained to distil the essence of their insights and present it in the form of compact causal loop diagrams.
Make judgements
Students learn to make judgements about how well a model structure contributes to the explanation of an observed or hypothesised dynamic behaviour.
Communicate
Students are encouraged to participate actively in class. The students will be trained both in writing and in oral presentations to explain the relationship between structure and dynamic behaviour in non-linear systems.
Develop learning skills
The course is putting the student on the track of becoming a skilled modeller, a problem identifier and a policy designer. It equips the student with the basic skills and tools to progress in the investigation of systems in ever more complex domains and familiarise the student with relevant scientific literature in the field.
Department of Geography
studieveileder@geog.uib.no
http://www.uib.no/rg/dynamics