4 courses with the subject SD, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
SD 1510Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling1/3
The goal of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the field of system dynamics computer simulation modeling. The course begins with the history of system dynamics and the study of why policy makers can benefit from its use. Next, students systematically examine the various types of dynamic behavior that socioeconomic systems exhibit and learn to identify and model the underlying nonlinear stock-flow-feedback loop structures that cause them. The course concludes with an examination of a set of well-known system dynamics models that have been created to address a variety of socioeconomic problems. Emphasis is placed on how the system dynamics modeling process is used to test proposed policy changes and how the implementation of model-based results can improve the behavior of socioeconomic systems.
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to construct original system dynamics computer simulation models of economic and social systems from real world situations. They are coached to experiment with these models to understand unintended consequences of policy and to design effective policy interventions. Such a modeling process can be used to examine the possible impacts of policy changes and technological innovations on socioeconomic systems. The curriculum in this course covers a detailed examination of the steps of the system dynamics modeling process: problem identification (including data collection and analysis), feedback structure conceptualization, model formulation, model testing and analysis, model documentation and presentation, and policy implementation, illustrated by examples from business, economy and social systems. This course together with either SSI505 or SD1510 can provide the basic background for the students to use system dynamics in their IQP/MQP projects. Students will not be granted credit for both SD 1520 and SD2520.
SD 2530Advanced Topics in System Dynamics Modeling1/3
This course focuses on advanced issues and topics in system dynamics computer simulation modeling. A variety of options for dealing with complexity through the development of policy models, large-scale models and the partitioning of complex problems are discussed. Topics include model building, model validation, model analysis, the use of summary statistics and sensitivity measures, and policy design. The application of system dynamics to theory building and social policy are also reviewed.
This special topics course is conducted as a research seminar, with many sessions being reserved for student presentations. Students will read, evaluate, and report on research papers representing the latest developments in the field of system dynamics. Classical system dynamics models may also be replicated and discussed. Students will complete projects that address specific problems using the system dynamics method.
