Objectives and competences

The objective of this course is: • presenting natural, technical, social systems; • presenting the relationship between the structure, dynamics, and evolution of systems; • presenting basics of qualitative and quantitative analysis of system dynamics; • presenting basics of learning analytics; • presenting basics in network theory; • presenting basics of self-organization. Students will gain: • competence of analysing structure, dynamics, and evolution of natural, technical, and social systems; • competence of system thinking; • ability of basic qualitative and quantitative analysis of systems dynamics; • ability to use computer programmes Madonna and NetLogo; • ability of knowledge transfer from system dynamics to other fields.

Content (Syllabus outline)

• Universal view on natural, technical, and social systems: structure, dynamics, and evolution of systems. • Determination of interrelations between system parts, internal and external influences, positive and negative feedback loops. • Qualitative description of systems dynamics: causal-loop diagrams and stock-flow diagrams. • Quantitative description of systems dynamics and mathematical modeling. • Analysis of contents in curriculum appropriate for developing of system thinking in school. • Learning analytics. • Complex networks. • Self-organization. • Structure of systems, fractals. • Development (evolution) of systems and basics of game theory. • Using of computer programs developed for modeling of systems dynamics in school: DynaSys, Stella, Madonna, NetLogo.

Learning and teaching methods

• Lectures, • computer exercises, • experiments, • reflection, • discussion, • case studies.

Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding

On completion of this course the student will: • understand the relationship between structure, dynamics, and evolution of systems; • understand the role of positive and negative feedback loops in complex systems; • know to present the dynamics of systems with causal-loop diagrams and stock-flow diagrams; • be able to construct simple mathematical models; • understand principles of modelling of multi-agent dynamical systems; • understand basic properties of networks; • know basics of game theory.

Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes

Readings

• G. Ossimitz, Entwicklung systemischen Denkens, Theoretische Konzepte und empirische Untersuchungen, Profil Verlag, München 2000. • P.M. Senge, N. Cambron-McCabe, T. Lucas, B. Smith, J. Dutton, A. Kleiner, Schools that Learn: A Fifth Discipline Fieldbook for Educators, Parents, and Everyone Who Cares About Education. Doubleday, New York 2000. • D.H. Meadows, (ed. Diana Wright), Thinking in Systems: A Primer, Chelsea Green Publishing Company, White River Junction, VT, 2008. • J. Gharajedaghi, Systems thinking: Managing chaos and complexity: A platform for designing business architecture, Elsevier, M. Kaufmann, Burlington, MA, 2011. • Bejan, J.P. Zane, Design in Nature: How the Constructal Law Governs Evolution in Biology, Physics, Technology, and Social Organization, Doubleday, New York, 2012. • Strokovni in znanstveni članki v revijah / Articles published in professional and scientific journals.

Prerequisits

Prerequisits for acceding the course: None. Conditions for prerequisits: Accomplished obligations given during tutorials and lectures.