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Syllabus

TN0358 Systems analysis for sustainable development, 5.0 Credits

Systemanalys för hållbar utveckling

Subjects

Technology Environmental Science Technology Environmental science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	5.0	0101

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Master’s level (AXX)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

- A bachelor degree, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time study)

- Knowledge equivalent to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school (with a Swedish bachelor’s degree, the requirement in English is fulfilled)

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 assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

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.

Responsible department

Department of Energy and Technology