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Engineering Course Descriptions STS - SYSEN
Please note: This page lists all STS-SYSEN courses offered by the Engineering Division. For the courses offered during a particular semester please check the most current schedule. All courses offered are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated.
Science, Technology And Society (S T S) Courses
S T S 589 Ethics and Values in Science and Technology. (3) Interrelationships of 20th century technological change and human values with emphasis on social and ethical aspects of technological progress. previous page
Statistics (STAT) Courses
STAT 500 Applied Statistics. (3) Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, power, estimation, confidence intervals, regression, one- and 2-way ANOVA, Chi-square tests, diagnostics. previous page
Software Engineering (SWENG) Courses
SWENG 400 Software Studio . (3) Introduction to the fundamental processes of programming. Students receive in-depth instruction in C+ and /or Java programming languages and assigned problems of increasing complexity. Prerequisites: Students should have PC skills and programming language skills. previous page
SWENG 400 Software Studio (Java). (3) Introduction to software design methodology. Students design and implement programs using the Sun Java compiler. previous page
SWENG 497 Special Topics: Fundamentals of Telecommunications. (3) Data signaling and encoding, multiplexing, transmission media, data link protocols, bridging and routing protocols, queuing theory, PSTN, circuit and packet switching, wireless. previous page
SWENG 497 Special Topics: Human Computer Interface. (3) Provides a coherent framework for user-oriented system design, covering all stages of development from requirement and usability analysis to implementation and evaluation. previous page
SWENG 497 Special Topics: Principles of E-Business. (3) An introduction to the principles of E-Business, emphasizing business-to-business Electronic Commerce utilizing information technology such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) as an effective strategy for business streamlining and profitability. Topics include identifying benefits and challenges, implementation, electronic payments and security, E-business models and trends, strategies, and business case justification. E-Business issues involving EC failures, lessons examined, policies and metrics, and future directions of E-Business are also examined. previous page
SWENG 497 – Special Topics: Software Documentation. (3) The artifacts we create and maintain to document the requirements, analysis, and design of software systems are critical in the comprehension and communication of the end systems functionality, constraints, expectations and rationale. This course examines those artifacts starting with how user requirements are documented in various forms. The course will examine how these documents drive the development process and how they are managed and controlled so that requirements traceability is maintained and version control is established. Students will come away with an appreciation for how requirements manifest themselves throughout the development lifecycle including design reviews, walkthroughs and testing and how those activities roundtrip back into the documentation so that the system and its development artifacts evolve together.
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SWENG 497 Special Topics: Software Processes. (3) This course will study the evolution of software development lifecycle models from the classic waterfall through evolutionary, to contempory agile methods. The design and definition of process models will be addressed and their connections to process maturity efforts such as CMM/I and ISO, and government and regulatory standards such as MIL, DOD and FDA will be explored. previous page
SWENG 497 Special Topics: Software Integration. (3) Focuses on XML and its related technologies. "Integration" is an overloaded term in IT, most often used in a broad context representing a technology-business philosophy that focuses on business issues and suggests that all systems existing either inside or outside an enterprise should be free to share information and logic. This course looks at integration from the technology side starting with an overview and history of software integration through Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs). Today's most promising integration technology is eXtensible Markup Language or XML. Most IT professionals have to deal with many file formats. With each new application we have to read and write to another new file format. XML is a metalanguage used to create self-describing documents and when fully extended, to describe other languages. This course introduces XML and various technologies that have grown from the XML working groups of the World Wide Web Consortium. XML technologies covered include XML topics, lectures and assignments are technical in nature and require a sound understanding of software development and programming languages. While this course is independent of a particular development language, students benefit most if they have expertise in a programming language from which they can use common tools for manipulating XML documents. previous page
SWENG 497 Special Topics: Software Product Lines (3) Participants learn modeling product line requirements; designing product line reference architectures using as central drivers quality requirements such as variability, flexibility, evolvability, maintainability, security, availability and reliability; product line testing using the notion of product line use cases and enhancements to UML to create models that can serve as the basis for test generation; and, issues related to transitioning from the product line assets resulting from domain engineering to actual products under the responsibility of application engineering. Prerequisites: SWENG 537, SWENG 580, and SWENG 597. previous page
SWENG 500 Advanced Software Engineering Studio. (3) This is a capstone for the software engineering degree for a unifying software development experience. To this end, students, working independently or in teams,
- Develop a software system from requirements through code deployment.
- Produce process-appropriate documentation to support the development effort.
- Demonstrate their analysis, design, and development skills studied during the degree. previous page
SWENG 505 Software Project Management. (3) Objectives include
- Understanding basic concepts, theories, and practice of project management in contemporary organizations.
- Stimulating critical thinking on key issues through in-class exercises and small group discussion.
- Describing the relationship of people to the technical side of project management and showing how people are needed to complete a successful project (Situational Leadership & Decision-Making exercises included).
- Investigating practical application of these techniques using project management software (MS Project). previous page
PLEASE NOTE: SWENG 505 Software Project Management formerly offered as SWENG 597 Special Topics: Software Project Management or SYSEN 505 Technical Project Management formerly offered as SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Technical Project Management or IN SC 497 Special Topics: Principles of Project Management may be taken, but only one of the three courses will be counted for credit.
SWENG 537 Software System Design. (3) Objectives include
SWENG 541 Advanced Database Design Concepts. (3) The practical benefits of using a Database Management System (DBMS) are presented including database design, data dependencies and normalization, system architecture, secondary storage structures, query languages and processing, query optimization transactions, and recovery. This course focuses on relational database systems and includes utilizing a current DBMS, including design schema, data loading, and query implementation for a business application. A three-stage process is followed to create and implement a relational database to meet defined requirements. Prerequisite: Completion of IN SC 521, or approval of instructor or department. previous page
SWENG 545 Data Mining. (3) Data Mining studies automated ways of analyzing data in databases and data warehouses. Data warehouses are introduced including structure and design issues in their development. The main focus includes the theory and the methodology behind the tools used in data mining. These include techniques for data preprocessing, associative data mining, and various techniques for classification and prediction type of problems. Preprocessing techniques such as variable reduction/selection, scaling of data, and noise reduction are discussed. Variable reduction and/or selection include techniques such as principal component analysis, genetic algorithms, and jack-knifing methods. Noise reduction includes gross error detection and correction and filtering methods. Associated data mining involves finding attributes in databases that tend to occur together. Once these are found, the question is whether they happened by chance or whether there is significance in their joint occurrence. Classification and Prediction include neural networks, linear discriminate analysis, multiple linear regression, and subspace modeling methods such as partial least squares. previous page
SWENG 552 Bioinformatics. (3) An introduction to the information processing problems in computational biology and a unified treatment of the machine studying methods for solving these problems. Prerequisite: Students should have a basic understanding of statistics and probability or permission of instructor or department. previous page
SWENG 560 Web-Based Systems. (3) Web-based Systems focuses on the design, development and deployment of server-computing applications using state-of-the-art software technologies (J2EE, .NET, etc.). Students study the Internet Architecture, Design for Scalability, Reliability, and Maintainability, Thin Client, Data Source Connectivity, Server Technologies (e.g., presentation, application, and data source tier technologies), Infrastructures (e.g., protocols, components, middleware, and security), Performance Evaluation, and Deployment. A Web-based application project written in Java is required. previous page
SWENG 568 Enterprise Integration. (3) Enterprise Integration focuses on issues, modeling, methodologies, and enabling technologies in support of enterprise application integration. Students study: 1) modeling methodologies (such as Petri Nets, Message-base Part Graph, Supervisory Control, and Structured Adaptive Supervisory Control, etc.); 2) development technologies (e.g., client/server architecture, intranet/internet technology, etc.); and 3) system integration issues related to Enterprise Planning Resource (ERP), Sales and Service Management, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and Shop Floor Controls. A project (analysis, technical survey, or implementation) is required. previous page
SWENG 580 Advanced Software Engineering. (3) An introduction of the initiatives, techniques, and strategies that characterize the efforts of both academia and industry to transition the software engineering discipline from an ad hoc, random-behavior, random-result “alchemy” into an established profession using repeatable practices with predictable results. The course includes detailed study of requirements engineering, pattern-oriented development, and software quality. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. previous page
SWENG 581 Software Testing. (3) This course focuses on understanding and implementing successful software testing processes and practices and on the theoretical and practical aspects of software testing throughout the software life cycle. Topics include the definition of test strategies and an introduction to test methods applicable to all aspects of software testing. Class exercises supplement the lecture notes to help solidify the principles of the course. previous page
SWENG 582 Real-Time Software Design and Analysis. (3) This course covers the design and analysis of real-time, computer-based systems where timeliness is as important as correctness. Real-time systems are found in a wide range of applications including avionics, industrial process control, robotics, and control of autonomous systems. This course employs a holistic, systems-based approach. Students specify, design, and possibly build a real-time system using techniques studied in the class. Prerequisites: Completion of all IS or SWENG core courses or with instructor or division approval. previous page
SWENG 584 Genetic Algorithms Applications and Theory. (3) This course introduces Evolutionary Computation with emphasis on Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and their applications to problems in Engineering and Science. Students examine the application of classical and steady state Genetic Algorithms to problems, and how to modify genetic operators to make the GA work better for their applications. Students are introduced to the concept of schemata and how it is used to model genetic algorithms, and have an opportunity to review different applications of genetic algorithms to multi-modal function optimization, multi-objective optimization, operations research problems, and problems in science. Prerequisites: Completion of a course in data structures and algorithms, or approval of instructor or department. previous page
SWENG 585 Pattern-Oriented Design. (3) Building upon the introductory course in object-oriented analysis and design, this class explains the issues and means in designing software systems for reuse and extension including how to leverage the powers of object-orientation embodied in well-known heuristics, principles and patterns in the design and construction of reusable frameworks, packages and components. The intent is to introduce the initiatives, techniques, and strategies that characterize the efforts made in both academia and industry to transition the software engineering discipline from an ad hoc, random-behavior, random-result “alchemy” into an established profession using repeatable practices with predictable results. Prerequisite: SWENG 537 previous page
SWENG 586 Requirements Engineering. (3) This course is a thorough treatment of the theoretical and practical aspects of discovering, analyzing, modeling, validating, testing and writing requirements for systems of all kind, with an intentional focus on software-intensive systems. The course will bring to play a variety of formal methods, social models, and modern requirements writing tools (e.g. the UML) to be useful to the practicing engineer. previous page
SWENG 587 Software Systems Architecture. (3) A software architecture is an abstract view of a software system distinct from the details of how such a system is implemented. A robust architecture is key to developing software systems that meet quality expectations (such as performance, scalability, availability, maintainability, etc.) of their stakeholders. This course introduces basic concepts of software architecture, architectural design principles and patterns. Students also learn how to document and evaluate software architectures, and reuse architectural assets through software product lines. Prerequesite: SWENG 537 previous page
SWENG 594A Master’s Research Paper. (3) Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis. previous page
SWENG 594B Software Engineering Research Institute (For more information see the Engineering Research Institute page.) previous page
SWENG 597 Special Topics: Soft Computing. (3) The use of metaheuristics techniques for optimization are described and contrasted in the context of combinatorial optimization problems. Students study how to use tabu search, particle swarms, genetic algorithms, greedy randomized adaptive search, ant systems, and other metaheuristics to solve practical problems, and identify the benefits and drawbacks of the different techniques. Note: This class was previously offered as SWENG 597 Special Topics: Swarm Intelligence and SWENG 597 Special Topics: Applied Metaheuristics. previous page
SWENG 597 Special Topics: Enterprise Service Computing. (3) Issues, modeling, methodologies, and enabling computing technologies in support of integrated and collaborative enterprise applications including 1) Business process management, service-oriented architectures, and service computing technologies; 2) Resource sharing and utility computing; and 3) Open Grid Services Architecture and Infrastructure, Grid programming model and development toolkit. previous page
SWENG 597 Special Topics: Formal Methods. (3) A rigorous formal framework for the study of computer science, software engineering, and information technology. Students use formal mathematical notation to express sophisticated concepts about software and information systems, read advanced technical papers in software engineering, computer science, and information systems, use formal methods to analyze software requirements, pursue further advanced study in software engineering and information technology. previous page
SWENG 597 Special Topics: Program Understanding. (3) To become an accomplished author, writers must first read, analyze, understand, and appreciate existing literature. In software engineering education this model has been reversed; students are taught how to write programs without being taught how to read them. This course redresses this situation by examining, analyzing, and appreciating examples of existing code to determine good from bad and sound from unsound. In addition supplementary program understanding techniques are examined such as program visualization. Prerequisite: SWENG 537 previous page
SWENG 597 Special Topics: Software Process: Definition, Assessment and Improvement. (3) Students examine the various families of software process from waterfall through extreme programming. In addition, the dominant process maturity models (CMMI, SPICE, TickIT, etc) are investigated along with the techniques and skills needed to apply them in process evaluation and improvement efforts. previous page
SWENG 597 Special Topics: Global Software Development. (3) This course will examine the lessons learned, checklists, best practices, processes, and measures developed from successful global software development projects. Topics covered include inter-team and interpersonal communication, team and project coordination, cultural dissonance, work breakdown and assignment, separation of concerns and the effect on product line architectures, amongst other issues. previous page
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Systems Engineering (SYSEN) Courses
SYSEN 497 Special Topics: GPS Navigation Systems. (3) Description of major satellite navigation systems such as LORAN, OMEGA, DECCA and TRANSIT. Advantages of satellite navigation with respect to global coverage, uniform coordinate system, high accuracy, time dissemination, three dimensional capability, velocity determination, and attitude information. Radio navigation propagation including phase measurement techniques, propagation link errors, multipath effects, wideband noise and jamming/spoofing. The signal structures of GPS and its sister system GLONASS. Receiver design tradeoffs including switching (multiplexing and sequential) and continuous tracking receivers: dual frequency vs. single frequency; standard positioning service vs. precise positioning service; stand alone vs. integrated; and embedded vs. discrete. The role of GPS as a component of an overall navigation and communication systems and the development of Automatic Vehicle Location and Intelligent Transportation Systems. The future of GPS highlighting Modernization and GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO systems. previous page
SYSEN 505 Technical Project Management. (3) Organization, scheduling, resourcing, and optimization. as well as the role of the computer in project management. Course topics include Management by Objectives, PMI Model, Project Planning, Organizing, Directing, and Controlling. previous page
PLEASE NOTE: SWENG 505 Software Project Management formerly offered as SWENG 597 Special Topics: Software Project Management or SYSEN 505 Technical Project Management formerly offered as SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Technical Project Management or IN SC 497 Special Topics: Principles of Project Management may be taken, but only one of the three courses may be taken for credit.
SYSEN 509 Biostatistics. (3) Multivariate Statistical methodology arising in the health care and biological sciences. previous page
SYSEN 510 Engineering Analysis I. (3) Basic tools for solving ordinary and partial differential equations encountered in engineering applications, including Bessel and Legendre functions, Laplace transforms, and techniques for boundary-valve problems. previous page
SYSEN 511 Engineering Analysis II. (3) Advanced engineering mathematics including linear algebra, matrix methods, scalar and vector field theory, and divergence, Stokes’s, and Green’s theorems. Note: This course may be taken in place of, or in addition to, Engineering Analysis I. previous page
SYSEN 520 Systems Engineering. (3) Fundamentals of Systems Engineering with focus on systems methodology, systems design, and systems management. Topics include life cycle analysis, quality assurance decision assessment, and cognitive ergonomics. previous page
SYSEN 530 Systems Optimization. (3) The theory and practice of linear programming are developed in the context of a broad range of practical applications including the determination of the optimum mix of products, levels of staffing, blending, network analysis, and multi-period planning. Students are taught to formulate problems for computer solution and to interpret the output and assess its sensitivity to the problem constraints. Both continuous and integer valued decision variables are considered. previous page
SYSEN 531 Probabilistic Modeling and Simulation. (3) Decision making under Uncertainty including utility theory and the analytic hierarchy process, Markov chains, an introduction to waiting line models, and discrete event simulation. Simulation software is discussed and applied to a variety of practical problems involving random elements such as scheduling, inventory, and reliability. previous page
SYSEN 533 Deterministic Modeling and Simulation. (3) Simulation accurately predict how a physical system behaves and is essential to optimization and control. This course introduces modeling dynamic systems based on first-principle concepts and are most often coupled non-linear differential equations. Simulations are based on the MATLAB® Simulink tool which provides a convenient way of simulating algebraic-differential systems without a need to learn numeral analysis techniques such as differential equation solvers. Prerequisite: SYSEN 510 previous page
SYSEN 535 Statistical Methods in Research. (3) Multiple Linear Regression methods including logistic regression are introduced and specialized to include the experimental designs useful in research. previous page
SYSEN 536 Special Topics: Decision and Risk Analysis in Engineering. (3) This course examines the analytic techniques for decision making under uncertainty within the context of engineering and technology systems. It focuses on understanding and improving the decision making of individuals and groups in technical organizations with emphasis on the application of evaluations methods; conflicting objectives, and risk analysis. previous page
SYSEN 540 Intelligent System Applications. (3) Intelligent systems are able to demonstrate the ability to make decisions and choices based on an understanding of their universe and/or able to adjust their behavior to changes within their environment. This course surveys a number of different technologies for implementing such systems including neural networks, expert systems, fuzzy logic and automated adaptation of behavior. Application areas include adaptive control and adaptive signal processing, learning systems, and robots. previous page
SYSEN 545 Neural Networks. (3) Artificial neural network architectures. Perceptrons and including training algorithms. Extensive use of applications and simulations. previous page
SYSEN 550 Creativity and Problem Solving I. (3) Problem solving is a fundamental human activity that is of critical importance in all disciplines. This course focuses on a basic understanding of problem solving as a cognitive process, with particular attention to the creative behavior of individuals. In addition to general theories and models of problem solving, students will learn about their personal preferences for problem solving strategies and the way these preferences can impact both job performance and personal life, including their academic studies. Other selected topics will include the brain’s organization of problem solving, the independence of cognitive style and level, views of creativity, and the Paradox of Structure. previous page
SYSEN 552 Creativity and Problem Solving II. (3) This course builds on an understanding of the individual problem solver to address the dynamics of problem solving in teams (both small and large). Students will explore the impact of different problem solving group profiles from multiple perspectives, including group efficiency, personal communication, and the quality of group outcomes. Strategies and tactics for improving the problem solving performance of teams will be presented and applied, and real-world case studies will be explored. Other selected topics will include precipitating events, cognitive gap, coping behavior, and agents for change. Prerequisite: SYSEN 550 NOTE: This course was previously offered as SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Advanced Problem Solving. previous page
SYSEN 554 Problem Solving Leadership. (3) As the problems faced by today’s managers, project directors, and lead investigators become more complex, both technical knowledge and problem solving process knowledge are critical. This course extends the Problem Solving sequence with a focus on the role of the problem-solving leader within problem solving teams. Students will explore strategies for coordinating the problem solving preferences and abilities of themselves and others based on the problems presented and the solutions desired. Other selected topics will include leaders and bridgers, the management of cognitive diversity, and the management of change. Prerequisites: SYSEN 550 Creativity and Problem Solving I and SYSEN 552 Creativity and Problem Solving II. previous page
SYSEN 555 Invention and Creative Design. (3) This course explores specific issues surrounding engineering design and invention as problem solving processes. In addition to basic knowledge about the patent process, students will study the different practices and problem solving styles of successful inventors, scientists, and engineers. The relationship between the problem solving style of an inventor/designer and the cognitive style nature of his/her products will also be explored. Other selected topics will include the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), breaking patents, and social aspects of invention. NOTE: Taking SYSEN 550 prior to SYSEN 555 is recommended but not required currently. previous page
SYSEN 566 Advanced Telecommunications. (3) The strategies, topologies, and protocols of advanced communication networks including LANs, WANs, the Internet and digital cellular. Topics include FDDI, DQDB, routing algorithms, GSM and CDMA. previous page
SYSEN 594A Master’s Research Paper. (3) Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis. previous page
SYSEN 594B Master's Research: Engineering Research Institute. (3) (For more information see the Engineering Research Institute page.) previous page
SYSEN 594C Advanced Systems Studio (3) This is a capstone for the systems engineering degree and is intended as a unifying experience. To this end, students, working independently or in teams. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Advanced Problem Solving. (3) This course builds on an understanding of the individual problem solver to focus on the dynamics of problem solving in groups. Students explore the impact of different problem solving group profiles from multiple perspectives including group efficiency, personal communication, and the quality of group outcomes. Strategies and tactics for improving the problem solving performance of groups are presented and applied including problem solving tools and techniques specifically designed for group use. Other selected topics include cognitive gap, coping behavior and stress, and the value of cognitive diversity. Prerequisites: SYSEN 550. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Energy Conversion Systems. (3) The study of energy conversion systems and processes used for power generation in industrial, transportation, and domestic applications, and their effects on the environment. Topics include power generation from fossil fuels and nuclear energy, fuel cells renewably energy sources (i.e. solar, wind and ocean) as well as, pollution effects (i.e. air and water pollution, waste management, and global warming.) previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Engineering Economics. (3) An essential prerequisite of successful engineering application is economic feasibility. This course presents analysis useful in evaluating the economic feasibility of systems, products, and services. The objective is understanding the significance of economic aspects of engineering and becoming proficient in evaluating engineering proposals in terms of worth and cost. This skill is crucial since the economic feasibility of projects becomes a prime consideration of any project. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Engineering Ergonomics. (3) Topics include introductory concepts and underlying ergonomics theory, sensory and information-processing, contemporary issues in human-computer interaction, design of work systems and equipment, safety and health issues, and case studies supporting underlining theory. Note: This course may be taken by all SYSEN students, as part of the Special Topics module, and by IE and ESc students, as an elective. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Engineering Law. (3) An overview of the legal system and legaliIssues applicable to Engineering Professionals. Topics include an overview of the American Legal System, contracts, contract formation and obligations, bidding, proposals, business issues, torts, professional liability, intellectual property, the engineer’s role in litigation as expert witness, and ethics. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Engineering Management Science. (3) Management science, alternatively known as operations research, is an interdisciplinary branch of mathematics which uses mathematical, analytical and statistical methods to improve decision making. In this class these methods will be examined with respect to improving decisions in engineering and engineering management. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Ethics and Technology. (3) Ethical issues in the general field of engineering including the basic principles of ethics as a discipline and examination of professional codes of ethics which impact engineers in practice as well as a structured method for analyzing ethical problems illustrated by numerous case studies. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Knowledge Management. (3) This course progresses from the fundamental principles and concepts of knowledge management through the design of effective knowledge management systems. Cultural acceptance of KM in organizations, KM metrics and indicators, incremental system design and organizational techniques for the management of change are also covered. Other topics include capturing, mapping, and structuring knowledge; using KM for human capital strategies; supporting and enhancing collaboration; creating and sustaining a knowledge-sharing culture; and managing and measuring intellectual capital. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Linear System Theory. (3) Modern systems are often analyzed by an approximation that involves a linear system. This course examines the representation and characterization of deterministic linear systems. State variables are introduced as the most flexible representation of a linear system. The principal value of this representation is state variable feedback which transforms the control problem from an art to a science. Issues arise such as controllability and observability, which address whether it is possible to control a given system and if it is possible to garner the state variables from input/output relationships. Students should have a working knowledge of matrix and linear algebra, and familiarity with Laplace and Fourier transforms. Students who have questions are encouraged to contact Dr. Piovoso at mjp5@psu.edu. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Robotics Research. (3) The functional format of this course simulates a graduate research team under the direction of a faculty advisor. Each student chooses a research project which relates to his/her personal interest/s in the field of robotics. The instructor’s role, as the team advisor, is to guide each student in the identification, exploration, discussion, completion, and presentation of this research project. Each student must complete a technical paper based on his or her chosen research project. Papers of sufficient merit may be submitted in response to the Call for Papers of appropriate professional societies. previous page
SYSEN 597 Special Topics: Systems Thinking. (3) Systems thinking is the practice of seeing systems in the broad, rather than decomposing them into smaller pieces that lose the essential properties in which we are most interested. Systemic thinking allows us to identify the underlying structures, patterns, and cycles that influence the systems around us so that we can pinpoint the causes of recurring problems and find the points of leverage that will make lasting improvements. This course provides students with the tools to understand and describe complex systems and to identify emergent properties, feedback mechanisms and their effects. Students will understand the difference between systematic and systemic approaches, the pitfalls of reductionism and the necessity for holistic system understanding and description. previous page
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