System Dynamics Modelling Process
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- GEO-SD304
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
In this course, students apply the System Dynamics method to problems in both the public and private sectors. Students will apply and gain reinforcement of skills learned in other system dynamics courses as they follow a structured process for modelling and simulation of dynamic problems in both social and natural systems. Emphasis is on the design of simulation models to explain problem behaviour in dynamic systems, and on the re-design of such models to represent the implementation of policies aimed at improving their behaviour. Students learn to use the system dynamics modelling process: define the dynamics of problems, develop hypotheses regarding the structure underlying problem behaviour, analyse and validate computer simulation models, and design policies to improve systemic behaviour. In addition to learning from the lectures and materials, students gain hands-on experience through in-class exercises, assignments, and an in-depth project. The reading list includes a primary textbook and supplemental material.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- has an overview of the system dynamics modelling process, with particular emphasis on defining the dynamics of a problem; formulating hypotheses regarding the structure underlying dynamic problem behaviour; analysing a model to improve its reliability and usefulness; analysing a model's structure to understand the origin of its dynamic behaviour; testing a model's sensitivity to parameter assumptions; testing changes in policy parameters; and reflecting on implementation.
Skills
The student
- can define the dynamics of a problem;
- can formulate hypotheses (in words, diagrams, and a set of model equations) as tentative explanations of problematic dynamic behaviour;
- can analyse a model's structure to discover the endogenous source of particular dynamic patterns;
- can analyse and test a model to improve its reliability and usefulness;
- can test a model's sensitivity to parameter assumptions;
- can identify and evaluate potential leverage points for improving model behaviour through policy parameter analysis;
- can identify obstacles to policy implementation;
- can identify a real-world dynamic problem and conduct a 6-week empirical and theoretical investigation, culminating in an explanatory model, a written report, and a presentation.
General competence
The student
- can adopt a user's perspective to assess the definition of a problem, the boundary of a model, and the model's reliability and usefulness;
- can establish and evaluate criteria for evaluating how well a model structure contributes to the explanation of an observed or hypothesised dynamic behaviour;
- can assess data requirements in light of a model's sensitivity to parameter estimates;
- can determine whether simulated policy options are feasible in the real world;
- can take ethical considerations into account when conducting research and developing models, and when interacting with model users.
- is able to organize oral and written discussions of a modelling project in a way that highlights the research problem or question, the hypothesis, the method of analyzing and testing the hypothesis, and the policy implications of the investigation;
ECTS Credits
10 ECTS
Level of Study
Master
Semester of Instruction
Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
The course consists of live-streamed, recorded and stored lectures, seminars and computer labs with active participation by students, short in-class tasks, written assignments, and a major project requiring a written report, a model, and a presentation. Individual and group support will be provided in-person or remotely by teaching assistants and the professor.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
None
Forms of Assessment
Portfolio assessment with portfolio consisting two products from an individual modeling project:
- Modeling project consisting of a simulation model and a written report (80%).
- Presentation of main project findings and implications in the form of a recorded video clip (20%).
All parts of portfolio must be passed in the same semester. The portfolio will be assessed as a whole, and one final grade will be given.
Grading Scale
An ECTS grade is provided to the student at the end of the course according to the A-F scale.
Assessment Semester
Autumn
Assessment in teaching semester only. This assessment form requires that students participate in classes and report writing.
Reading List
The reading list will be ready before 1 July for the autumn semester and 1 Decemeber for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses
Course Administrator
The Department of Geography at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.