Course SummaryProspective Students
Course Summary
(3 Credits) SYSEN 534 explores simulation in Systems Engineering. It addresses Continuous-Time Systems system dynamics modeling and simulation for the analysis of complex systems.
Overview
This course provides the theoretical and technical knowledge necessary to conceptualize dynamics of complex systems, formulate appropriate simulation models, and use models to understand the system behavior and develop effective policy interventions. Students are exposed to the techniques used to form models of supply-demand, mechanical, electrical, biological, and hybrid systems. The course starts with an overview of system dynamics (SD) as a “set of conceptual tools that enable us to understand the structure and dynamics of complex systems“.
Students will learn tools and techniques that enable us to use SD as a rigorous modeling method to build formal computer simulations of complex systems. The use of computer-based simulation software packages will be addressed. After understanding how to test the validity of the simulation model, and analyze the sensitivity of the model to uncertainty in parameters and/or structural changes, students will learn how to use SD to model and analyze basic electromechanical and hybrid systems. Advanced topics, including simulation-based optimization and application of SD in modeling interdependent infrastructure, socio-economic, and hybrid renewable energy systems, are covered to provide students with an insight to the applications of SD in studying contemporary issues.
Course Objectives
The overall objective of this course is to give students an overview of system dynamics modeling and simulation for the analysis of complex systems.
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Model complex systems conceptually using system dynamics
- Develop a valid computerized model of a continuous-time system
- Analyze sensitivity of a system to uncertainty in parameters and/or structural changes
Course Materials
Required Textbook
- Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World
Author: John Sterman
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
ISBN-13:978-0071068123
ISBN-10: 007124107
You may purchase the textbook from Barnes & Noble College (the bookstore used by Penn State’s World Campus). For pricing and ordering information, please see the Barnes & Noble College website. Alternatively, you may obtain the textbook from a vendor of your choice.
Required Software
Students will be required to use Vensim® PLE for some of the exercises in this course.
To download the free version of Vensim for educational use, follow the instructions at: http://www.vensim.com/freedownload.html. After providing your e-mail address, the link to download the software will be e-mailed to you. If you are new to Vensim, you’ll find helpful resources at Vensim Documentation and Tutorials. Be sure to check out the section titled User Guide – Vensim Introduction & Tutorials
If you need any assistance, please contact Information Technology Support for assistance.
Grading and Examinations
A grade is given on the basis of the instructor’s judgment as to the student’s scholarly attainment (see the Penn State Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin, p. 41).
| Assignment | Quantity | Percentage of Final Grade |
| Homework Assignments | 5 | 40% |
| Mid-term Exam | 1 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 1 | 20% |
| Group Project | 1 | 20% |
Grades will be based on the following scale:
A = 95 – 100, A- = 90 – 94, B+ = 87 – 89, B = 84 – 86, B- = 80 – 83, C+ = 77 – 79, C = 70 – 76, D = 65 – 69, and F = 65 and below.
Group Project
The Group Project will constitute 20% of your final grade. Students will work in teams of four or five to select and analyze one article (suggested articles will be provided). Each team will make a fifteen-minute presentation, and every team member is required to also submit a one-page outline of comments, observations and lessons learned that are to be appended to the presentation material to be turned in. The group project is due at the end of the course, but students are encouraged to begin working with their groups early. In the presentation and the one-page report, you will to address 1) Problem definition; 2) Sources of complexity; 3) The dynamics of the system (system structure, dynamic hypothesis); 4) The developed computer simulation model (casual Loop diagrams, stock and flow, fundamental modes of dynamic behavior, advanced tools for modeling dynamic systems), and 5) Findings and concluding remarks. Additional details are provided in the Group Project Assignment in Canvas.
Discussion Forums
Throughout the course you are encouraged to engage with your peers via the Weekly Discussion Forums. Your participation will not be graded, however it is to your benefit to use the discussion forum to post questions, comments, and share information or experiences that your peers may find helpful. This is an excellent way to enhance collaborative knowledge-building with your peers.
Homework Assignments
There are five (5) individual homework assignments. Due dates will be specified in the assignments and course schedule. Homework will constitute 40% of your final grade. Doing the homework promptly and carefully is necessary for learning the material. Collaboration with fellow students is allowed and encouraged on homework. However, each student must turn in his or her own written work which reflects his or her own understanding of the material. Homework may be submitted up to a week late with prior approval from the instructor.
Exams
There will be two online exams.
- The midterm exam will constitute 20% of your final grade. The midterm exam is open-book and open-notes. The mid-term exam is to be completed without assistance from other students (current or past) on an individual basis. Any questions on the exam should be directed to your instructor.
- The final exam will constitute 20% of your final grade. The final exam is open-book and open-notes and is to be completed without assistance from other students (current or past) on an individual basis. Any questions on the exam should be directed to your instructor.
Course Topics
- Overview of System Dynamics
- System Dynamic Tools and Simulation Software
- Structure and Behavior of Simple Dynamic Systems
- Formulating Dynamic Models
- Complicated Modes of behavior
- Decision Rules and Formulations
- Verification and Validation
University Policies
Please view the University Policies and Resources which includes important information regarding academic integrity, student disability resources, educational equity, counseling services, and technical requirements.
Prospective Students
For more information on this program, check out the Master of Systems Engineering website!