Course Learning Objectives

The objective of this class is to teach students:

• Modeling philosophy: Appreciate the modeling process. Understand the motivation behind developing a model for a given problem, recognize the use of alternative modeling approaches - their equivalence, usefulness and incompleteness.
• Modeling methodology: For a given problem identify and apply the most suitable mathematical methods to represent system structure and uncertainty.
• Simulations: Apply discrete event and system dynamic simulation methods to analyze model behavior.
• Validation and Verification: Develop an understanding of system behavior by relating model behavior to empirically observed system behavior.

The class will require senior or graduate standing and an open mind. Computer programming experience will be useful, but not necessary. This class counts towards the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability.