Dynamic Systems

Description

How do we think, learn, and act in complex and dynamic situations? Is there a method or approach that can give us the tools to make better decisions under those circumstances? This course examines how, with the study of systems dynamics, we can analyze and research the human decision-making process, learn how to think dynamically and recognize dynamic phenomena in diverse situations. Students explore a wide variety of dynamic systems, including: grabber-holder dynamics, technology innovation dynamics, creation of new game dynamics in business competition, ecosystem dynamics, social dynamics and stochastic exchange dynamics.

Prerequisites

• MATH 104 or equivalent
• 1 year of college level calculus (through calculus of several variables, such as CME100 or MATH 51)
• Background in statistics, experience with spreadsheets recommended.
• An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent

Topics include

• Mathematical analysis of linear and non-linear dynamic systems
• Equilibrium, stability, growth and limit cycle
• Introduction to catastrophe theory and exploring the mathematical model for discontinuous phenomena (like the crash of the stock market)
• Examples in business competition, organizational hierarchy, population dynamics, social interactions, ecology and spread of epidemics 

Course Availability

The course schedule is displayed for planning purposes – courses can be modified, changed, or cancelled. Course availability will be considered finalized on the first day of open enrollment. For quarterly enrollment dates, please refer to our graduate education section.