Systems analysis for sustainable development
There is also an aim for understanding relations between structure and behaviour of a system. General techniques, such as model fitting, sensitivity analysis and optimisation are treated and practiced in the computer exercises. A special focus is on human effects on environment and climate, and how these effects can be minimized for a sustainable development.
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
TN0355-30272 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
TN0355 Systems analysis for sustainable development, 5.0 Credits
Systemanalys för hållbar utvecklingSubjects
Technology Environmental Science Technology Environmental scienceEducation cycle
Master’s levelAdvanced study in the main field
Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classifiedMaster’s level (AXX)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
A bachelor degree, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time study), within the natural sciences, technology, the social sciences, jurisprudence or the historical/philosophical subject areas.Equivalent to English 6 from upper secondary school.
Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide basic understanding of different systems in nature and society and how they can interact in a sustainable development. In particular, the student will learn how different types of systems and processes can be analyzed and modelled with tools of systems analysis. A holistic approach is central in the course.
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
list and explain basic ideas, concepts and methods in systems analysis,
summarize how a project in systems analysis is carried out,
analyse and explain the problems involved in systems identification and system boundaries,
describe different methods in systems analysis applicable to primarily biological, ecological, environmental and technical systems, and especially analyse interactions between such systems for a sustainable development,
have basic insight and skill in the most usual types of modelling and simulation tools for complex systems, in particular for socio-natural systems.
Content
Systems analysis is used for describing and analysing problems within many different disciplines, and is therefore highly interdisciplinary in its character. Depending on the perspective, reality can be considered as a set of systems, which can be described with the aid of various types of models, e.g. static/dynamic, deterministic/stochastic, local/global, or a combination of these.
Problems related to sustainable development, and of current interest, will be presented and discussed from a systems analysis perspective. Different solutions with methods from systems analysis will be discussed, together with how the system (model) is affected by various factors.
A central part of the course consists of computer exercises, where the student builds, simulates and analyses different types of models. A major effort is also devoted to the understanding of the relation between structure and behaviour of a system. General techniques, such as model fitting, sensitivity analysis and optimisation are treated and practiced in the computer exercises. A special focus is on human effects on environment and climate, and how these effects can be minimized for a sustainable development.
The course has the following main parts:
problem analysis, based on current problems related to sustainable development,
the systems analysis perspective, concepts and theory,
the methodology of systems analysis,
construction and simulation of static and dynamic models,
applications with examples for current problems related to sustainable development,
project work, related to the background and interest of the student,
computer exercises: Use of computer simulation for description, analysis and understanding of complex systems, and practice of different general techniques.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Written examination, report of project work, and computer lab reports.
Passed examination, and approved project assignment and lab reports.
- If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
- The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
- If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
- For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Transitional provisions
• Exams: At least three retake sessions (renewed exams) must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course. • Compulsory elements: At least one opportunity for a retake session must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course.Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.