Systems Complexity and Dynamics
ENSY2001
This unit of study is designed to equip students with the conceptual and modeling tools to understand the nature of complexity in natural and managed systems, together with a realization of the fundamental similarities that exist between systems and across scales and the consequences that these have for the system dynamics.It is a core unit for students in the Environmental Systems Degree and builds on Units relating to living systems and biometry by providing students with an understanding the importance of systems approaches and the ability to abstract and model complex environmental systems.The lectures will present the students with a quantitative knowledge of the structure and dynamics of biological systems, from cells to landscape, and the role and limitations of modeling in supporting intuition to understand the link between system structure and dynamics. The practical classes will be designed to let students explore the concept of modeling without the need to learn sophisticated computer programming or complicated mathematics, and will be based on problems related to those covered in the lectures.At the end of this unit the students will have an understanding of the process of abstraction and synthesis that is involved in systems modeling and how this can guide intuition in novel application domains by combining concepts to understand complex environmental systems. They will be able to evaluate the validity of models and appropriately interpret the predictions they make. They will understand the modeling process, its value and limitations without the need for detailed knowledge of the enabling technologies such as computer programs and mathematics.The students will gain skills in abstraction and quantification of complex environmental systems through the use of worked examples and through the use of different modeling tools in the lab. They will gain experience of interdisciplinary team working, build research skills and communication skills through formal presentation, and will gain confidence in dealing with complex everyday problems.
Unit of study details
Unit of study level: Intermediate
Credit points: 6
Commencing semesters: 1
Further unit of study information
Unit of study handbook: ENSY2001
Costs and scholarships information: Costs and Scholarships
Final dates to withdraw from units of study: Census Dates
Available for study abroad and exchange: Yes