Master's Programme in System Dynamics

Start-up Date

Autumn

The Degree

The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Philosophy in System Dynamics. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives / Contents

The master´s degree in system dynamics signifies an ability to analyze how and why things change over time. System dynamics builds on the best traditions in science for studying complex dynamic systems to understand how systems´ dynamics originate from the underlying systems´ structure, to investigate how pressing current problems reflect past policies and design alternative policies that may be alleviate these problems. To do so, candidates are trained to develop simulation models that represent the cause-and-effect structure of the systems studied, to derive their dynamics by way of simulation, and to investigate the relationship between the two. This combination of skills encourages collaboration and teamwork in daily decision-making as well as long-range planning.

Programme profile

The Master's Programme in System Dynamics trains students in model-based knowledge acquisition, analysis and policy design in complex, dynamic domains that cut across disciplines and sectors. Research focuses on development issues, natural resources management, socioeconomic problems, and teaching that promotes insightful learning. When students choose thesis topics in these areas, they benefit from a close collaboration with faculty and fellow students.

Master thesis

Students write a thesis during the third and fourth semesters. The thesis is a research project where system dynamics modelling and simulation are applied as a basis for systems analysis (identification of the origin of a dynamic problem) and policy design (including impact and feasibility analysis) aiming at a sustainable problem solution. Before choosing thesis topics, students are expected to consult with and gain approval from supervisors. A sample of recent topics includes:

• simulation models: AIDS in Tanzania, prison overcrowding in the U.K., urban transportation in China, energy taxation, fluctuations in Colombia¿s coffee market, skilled labor market in Norway, sovereign debt crisis in Greece;
• laboratory experiments: young peoples understanding of delayed uptake of alcohol in the blood stream, popular misperceptions of energy taxes/urban transportation dynamics/collective action;
• methodology: eigenvalue analysis of nonlinear system dynamics models, nonlinear and dynamic model optimisation in policy space, synthetic data experiments in social systems.

 Please note that in order to write a thesis (take the course GEO-SD 350), there is a requirement of an average result of C or better after the completion of all mandatory coursework at the end of the first year. Only those who have met the required standards will be able to proceed with the programme.

Method

The system dynamics method is the subject of study and is also used as a vehicle for teaching throughput this programme. Its theoretical foundation is being presented as well as techniques and software tools. Students learn to apply the principles of system dynamics modelling and to use computer-based tools for simulation, interactive learning environments, and laboratory experiments.

Click the links to Program Description and Construction for more details.

Start-up Date

Autumn

Admission requirements

Applicants should hold a Bachelor degree in social sciences, management sciences, natural sciences or engineering sciences. Students from other disciplines, but with a strong interest in System Dynamics, are also invited to apply and will be considered. Applicants should have average grades between A and B and be able to document proficiency in English.

The language requirements for admission to the programme are: TOEFL > 575 (paper based), > 233 (computer based), IELTS > 6.5 or previous degree in English, for example CAE/CPE (copy of degree required). If your first language is English, you will not be required to provide an English language test score. You are considered to be a native speaker of English if you are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, USA or South Africa, and if English was the language in which you gained all your qualifications.

Who may apply

Applicants for the Quota Scheme from the following universities:

• Makerere University, Uganda
• University of Malawi, Malawi
• University of the Western Cape, South Africa
• Javeriana University, Colombia
• Cairo University, Egypt
• Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellin Campus
• Fudan University, China
• TongJi University, China

Self-financing degree students

More information

post@geog.uib.no / (+ 47) 55 58 30 62

Credits

120 ects

Language of Instruction

All courses are taught in English.

Start-up Date

Autumn

Objectives / Contents

The master´s degree in system dynamics signifies an ability to analyze how and why things change over time. System dynamics builds on the best traditions in science for studying complex dynamic systems to understand how systems´ dynamics originate from the underlying systems´ structure, to investigate how pressing current problems reflect past policies and design alternative policies that may be alleviate these problems. To do so, candidates are trained to develop simulation models that represent the cause-and-effect structure of the systems studied, to derive their dynamics by way of simulation, and to investigate the relationship between the two. This combination of skills encourages collaboration and teamwork in daily decision-making as well as long-range planning.

Learning Outcomes

Express knowledge and understanding

Candidates should be able to (1) summarize the inherent challenges in understanding the dynamics of social systems; (2) explain the system dynamics paradigm and compare it with alternative methods of modelling complex feedback systems; (3) provide examples of system dynamics applications to problems in both public and private sectors; (4) explain in stock/flow/feedback terms how the fundamental structures of dynamic systems produce their associated behaviours; (5) interpret characteristic behaviours emerging from specific combinations of fundamental structures, with emphasis on the role of delays, nonlinearities, and feedback; (6) describe in detail the system dynamics modelling process, from problem definition to policy design; (7) demonstrate proficiency with the equation, simulation, and presentation tools of at least one system dynamics software package, while having some familiarity with at least two others; (8) recognize the political, organizational, and cultural influences on policy feasibility; (9) learn the theory and method of cost-benefit analysis; (10) learn basic theory and method of statistical analysis; (11) learn the theory and method of experimental design; and (12) learn the structure and behavior of national socioeconomic planning models.

Apply knowledge and understanding

Candidates should be able to (1) transfer and adapt knowledge about certain fundamental models from one problematic situation to another that displays similar fundamental behaviour; (2) translate a stock-and-flow model into a causal loop diagram, and explain; (3) translate a narrative theory of a dynamic process involving delays and feedback into causal loop and stock-and-flow representations of that theory, and explain; (4) define the dynamics of a problem; (5) formulate hypotheses (in words, diagrams, and a set of model equations) as tentative explanations of problematic dynamic behaviour; (6) analyse a model´s structure to discover the endogenous source of particular dynamic patterns; (7) analyse and test a model to improve its reliability and usefulness; (8) test a model´s sensitivity to parameter assumptions; (9) identify and evaluate potential leverage points for improving model behaviour through policy parameter analysis; (10) conduct policy design and evaluation with modifications in the structure of an explanatory model; (11) develop and analyze a simulation model that provides a useful explanation of a given problematic behaviour in a narrowly-defined task; (12) identify a real-world dynamic problem and conduct a 6-week empirical and theoretical investigation, culminating in an explanatory model, a policy model, a written report, and an oral presentation; (13) estimate cost and effectiveness of policy options, including feasibility assessments; (14) design interactive learning environments to facilitate communication of policy insights and implementation requirements; (15) design, conduct, analyse, and report results from laboratory experiments; and (16) apply national planning models to socioeconomic problems, particularly in developing countries.

Make judgments

Candidates should be able to (1) to compare the benefits and limitations of simple analogies; (2) adopt a client´s perspective to assess the definition of a problem, the boundary of a model, and the model´s reliability and usefulness; (3) establish and evaluate criteria for evaluating how well a model structure contributes to the explanation of an observed or hypothesised dynamic behaviour; (4) assess data requirements in light of a model´s sensitivity to parameter estimates; (5) assess whether simulated policy options are cost-effective and feasible in the real world; (6) evaluate policy implementation obstacles and modify expected benefits accordingly; (7) evaluate the impact of an interactive learning environment as a tool for communicating policy insights and implementation requirements; (8) evaluate the results of experiments in terms of both internal and external validity; and (9) take ethical considerations into account when conducting research and developing models, and when interacting with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.

Communicate

Candidates should be able to (1) ask and answer questions and engage in discussion and debate in a classroom setting; (2) organize a written discussion of a modelling project in a way that highlights the research problem or question, the hypothesis, the method of analyzing and testing the hypothesis, and the policy implications of the investigation; (3) make oral presentations of their work; (4) design and present models in a way that facilitates communication and understanding; and (5) translate technical information into language that clients understand.

Develop learning skills

Candidates should be able to (1) conduct research and engage in other projects with a high degree of independence, responsibility, and reliability; (2) function as a constructive member of a team; (3) access and interpret relevant scientific and policy literature; and (4) write and speak effectively about their work and relevant issues.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold a Bachelor degree in social sciences, management sciences, natural sciences or engineering sciences. Students from other disciplines, but with a strong interest in System Dynamics, are also invited to apply and will be considered. Applicants should have average grades between A and B and be able to document proficiency in English.

The language requirements for admission to the programme are: TOEFL > 575 (paper based), > 233 (computer based), IELTS > 6.5 or previous degree in English, for example CAE/CPE (copy of degree required). If your first language is English, you will not be required to provide an English language test score. You are considered to be a native speaker of English if you are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, USA or South Africa, and if English was the language in which you gained all your qualifications.

Master thesis credits

Students write a thesis during the third and fourth semesters. The thesis is a research project where system dynamics modelling and simulation are applied as a basis for systems analysis (identification of the origin of a dynamic problem) and policy design (including impact and feasibility analysis) aiming at a sustainable problem solution. Before choosing thesis topics, students are expected to consult with and gain approval from supervisors. A sample of recent topics includes:

• simulation models: AIDS in Tanzania, prison overcrowding in the U.K., urban transportation in China, energy taxation, fluctuations in Colombia¿s coffee market, skilled labor market in Norway, sovereign debt crisis in Greece;
• laboratory experiments: young peoples understanding of delayed uptake of alcohol in the blood stream, popular misperceptions of energy taxes/urban transportation dynamics/collective action;
• methodology: eigenvalue analysis of nonlinear system dynamics models, nonlinear and dynamic model optimisation in policy space, synthetic data experiments in social systems.

 Please note that in order to write a thesis (take the course GEO-SD 350), there is a requirement of an average result of C or better after the completion of all mandatory coursework at the end of the first year. Only those who have met the required standards will be able to proceed with the programme.

Sequential Requirements - courses

First semester (autumn):

• GEO-SD302: Fundamentals of Dynamic Social Systems
• GEO-SD303: Model-based Analysis and Policy Design
• GEO-SD304: System Dynamics Modelling Process

Second semester (spring):

• GEO-SD306: Experimental Methods in Social Systems
• GEO-SD308: Policy Design and Implementation
• GEO-SD321: Model-based Socioeconomic Planning

Either semester:

• GEO-SD322: Special Topics in System Dynamics (may substitute for another spring course, with permission of the department)

All courses provide 10 ECTS

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, data labs, assignments, project modelling, individual supervision.

Assessment methods

Department of Geography uses a variety of assessments.

• Written exam, also in combination with modelling project
• Term paper, also in combination with presentation
• Project paper

Grading scale

At the University of Bergen the student's academic performance is assessed both through final examinations as well as various term assignments.

The grading system has either

1. a descending scale from A to E for passes and F for fail, or
2. pass/fail

Grading A-F is most commonly used.

Further studies

A master's degree in System Dynamics qualifies for studies at a PhD level.

Professional Prospects

Master programme in System Dynamics aims to prepare students for an international career in strategic modelling with System Dynamics. The programme will teach you the foundations of system dynamics modelling and how you can apply System Dynamics modelling to a variety of real life complex problems and how you can facilitate the model building process with the client. These skills will enable you to develop the flexibility required to be successful within European and global organisations, whether it be major consultancy firms, strategic planning departments of larger corporations or in public administrations or NGOs. Due to the broad overview you acquire and the systemic approach that is followed in the programme, you are also qualified for more entrepreneurial tasks, either in starting your owncompany or within established companies.

Contact information

Department of Geography, System Dynamics group

Studieveileder@geog.uib.no