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351-0541-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-USYS , D-MATL , D-PHYS , D-MTEC , D-MATH , D-MAVT
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Systems Dynamics and Complexity

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Frank Schweitzer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:15:03

Abstract

CONTENTS: 1. Foundations of systems thinking, nonlinear dynamical systems, feedback mechanisms, 2. Project management, systems engineering, systems dynamics, critical path method, 3. Complex systems, evolutionary optimization.

Objective

The present lecture delivers a basic understanding of the dynamics of systems. Alongside classic approaches to systems dynamics, particular emphasis is placed on quantitative tools for modelling and computer simulation of complex systems. Based in examples from project management, it is shown how the insights gained can be put into practice.

Content

The lecture has three main parts. In the introduction, an overview of systems thinking and of the role of feedback mechanisms in systems dynamics is given. The insights gained are applied in project management, where the aim is to define systems, understand their dynamics and external conditions in order to influence the behaviour of the system itself. To do so, different approaches (systems engineering, systems dynamics, network planning techniques) are discussed. The second part of the lecture then introduces the dynamics of systems by focussing on basic insights in nonlinear dynamics, which are illustrated by applications in biology or economics. In the third part of the lecture, system behaviour is studied through complex systems theory. We employ mainly quantitative tools in order to study how system-level dynamics emerge from the interaction of elements, how the micro-macro link is best modeeled and how optimal system states can be achieved.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides used in the lecture are provided as annotated handouts with reference to additional literature. The handouts are made available via the homepage of the Chair of Systems Design.

Literature

Literature hints are provided in the handout.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Systems Dynamics and Complexity
  • Thu 08:15-10:00 (HG D 1.1)
  • Thu 18:15-19:00 (HG E 26.3)
  • 22.11 Date 19:15-20:00 (HG E 26.3)
  • 13.12 Date 18:15-19:00 (HG E 27)
  • 20.12 Date 18:15-19:00 (HG E 27)
2 h weekly

Offered In