Syllabus
Course Policies/Expectations:
In this course we intent to teach students on how to create dynamic systems models, in particular those with applications to both ecological and economic systems. We will use icon-based modeling software packages which are very easy to learn and use, and require no previous math or modeling experience. All software will be available for both the Macintosh and Windows operating systems.
The course uses a “problem based learning” format in which participants define their own modeling problem and then solve it over the course of the class. The first three weeks will cover introduction to systems modeling concepts and the associated software packages used. There will be several worked out examples to study and participants will read and report on models in the current literature. The second three weeks, participants will be asked to define, build, calibrate and run their own models. Instructor support will be devoted to answering questions about the ongoing modeling projects, sharing progress, and constructive feedback. Participants will be expected to produce a “publishable” project 6 weeks after the end of the course. Course grading will be: 25% exercises, 25% class presentations, 50% project.
Attendance Expectations:
Success in the course will be dependent upon your getting the assignments done in a timely matter. Simulation modeling requires lots of practice and the assignments are designed to provide this practice. If you have any questions at any time, please don’t hesitate to contact the instructor. Projects will be assigned during the first three modules (weeks) of the class. As this is not a self-paced course, these assignments will have due dates, and it is the student’s responsibility to see that they are completed on time. (Estimated time you need for completing the assignments is 10 to 15 hours per week).
During the following modules the students are to organize in groups and negotiate a work schedule among each other and the instructor.
Students are required to have functioning computers (Windows, Mac, or linux platform) and the necessary software loaded and operational before the beginning of the class (Browser, access to UVM blackboard and the trial version of Simile, that can be downloaded from the Simile website.
Contributions in Class:
Students are required to work in groups due to the importance of idea exchange and world views in modeling. What will be rewarded are the representations of different perspectives within the same modeling framework.
Students will be asked to present an idea that they are passionate about and to work out a compromise with other group members or create a model that is inclusive of the passions of all of the group members. It is important that students already understand or want to understand the system they are working with to gain personal satisfaction on the time spend to study the subject and to maintain their voice in the modeling process.
Required and/or recommended readings:
We have not made buying of a textbook required in this course. Instead we have searched the web for reading materials and included the links in the modules. In addition we have compiled a list to textbooks for further study.
Grading:
Modeling counts for more then writing since this is a modeling class not writing class.
Description of Class Assignments:
- Participation (25%)
- Wiki Participation
- Justification of group selection
- Discussion
- Assignments (25%)
- Ice Breaker
- Types of Systems Chart
- Finding Problems in created model
- Paper conceptualized and coded
- Alternative Value Strategy
- Types of Systems Quiz
- Project (50%)
- Publishable Paper
- Contract/Constitution
