• Description:

  The course is for students with an interest in system thinking, computer modeling and simulation. The course introduces students to basic concepts in complex systems, as well as computer modeling techniques. Topics include systems approach, system behavior, system modeling, and basic feedback structures.

• Objectives:

  The objective of the course is to provide a basic understanding of complex systems and computer simulation. It uses a software package for modeling various business, scientific, and social processes. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to apply the systems thinking approach to real life problems. The course will cover enough material to allow students to study more advanced concepts themselves. 

  In particular, objectives are to learn:

  • new skills for critical thinking and problem solving.
  • to analyze and evaluate complex systems.
  • fundamental principles of systems thinking.
  • to work in a team.

• Textbook:

  No textbook for the course. All material will provided in class or online.

• Class Schedule:

  ITK 115 Tentative Weekly Schedule

• Readings:

  Lecture notes and PowerPoint slides (See Class Schedule)

  Other Assigned Readings will be made available as needed.

  Roadmaps
  Roadmaps is a series of writings and exercises that are intended as a self-study guide to system dynamics. They have been developed by MIT undergraduates working under the direction of Prof. Jay W. Forrester. 
  Note: Roadmaps contain extensive materials some of which require the reader to have access to specific books that are not readily available.

  Other recommended materials are available from the The Creative Learning Exchange and The System Dynamics Resources Page

• Homework/Quizzes:

  There will be a few to many homework assignment and/or quizzes. Homework assignments are due by the beginning of the next class. All assignments turned in for grading must be word processing generated. Late homework will not be accepted. No makeup quizzes.

• Modeling - Labs and Final Project:

  There will be many modeling assignments. They should be done using the Vensim PLE modeling program. Lab assignments are due by the specified due date (and time). In many cases, you will be allowed to work on the assignment during our lab time. In most cases, it is possible (and expected) to complete the assignment during class time. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to complete the assignment/lab outside of class and turn it in by the specified due date/time. If you miss the due date/time, the penalty will be 50% per class day late. For example, if the assignment is due on Monday and you turn it in on Tuesday or by the beginning of class on Wednesday, you will receive 50% of the points you would of received had the assignment been turned in on time. After that point, no credit will be given (100% penalty).

  The Vensim PLE modeling program is free for academic use. You may download a copy of the version installed in the ITeK labs and install it on your personal computer. The file that is downloaded (vensim.exe) is a self-extracting zipped file.

  1. Download it (vensim.exe) to a temporary directory,
  2. Run vensim.exe to extract the files it contains,
  3. Then run venple32setup.exe to install the system.
  4. Run venple.exe to run the system.

• Tests:

  Two exams and a final are scheduled for this course. These exams are tentatively scheduled for:
   

  Exam 1 (Lecture and Lab)	to be announced
  Exam 2 (Lecture and Lab)	to be announced
  Final (may be a project)	Monday Dec 07 - 3:10 pm

  If you are unable to attend an exam due to illness or for some other valid reason, you should notify your instructor prior to the exam. I do not give makeup exams. I handle missed exams on an individual basis. But in general, your percentage on the final will replace the missing score. If you are unable to reach your instructor personally, send an email, or leave a message in the itk department office, or on your insturctor's voice mail. No makeup examination will be administered without the instructor's notification and validation of the excuse before the exam date.

• Email:

  The instructor will only send email to a student's Illinois State University email address. If you normally use another account (for example, AOL or Hotmail) then you should forward your "@ilstu.edu" mail to your other account.

• Plagiarism:

  Assignments which are identical in structure will get a grade of zero for all parties involved. Note that projects and labs/homework account for 60% of the course grade. Therefore you are expected to do your own work unless instructed to work in teams.

• Evaluation:

  Your grade will be determined based on the following distribution:
   

  Total of 2 Class Exams	40%
  Final or Final Project	30%
  Homeworks/LabAssignments	30%

  Your grade is computed as a weighted average using the percentages above. The grading scale for this course is:
   

  A	90 - 100%
  B	80 - 89%
  C	70 - 79%
  D	60 - 69%
  F	less than 60%

  
  IMPORTANT: Cell phones must be turned off during class and labs. If your cell phone rings or vibrates during a lecture, lab, or exam, points will be deducted from your course total points.

• Important Dates

  October 09	Last day to withdraw with a WX
  November 21 - 29	Thanksgiving Break
  Dec 04	Last class meeting
  Dec 07	Final (or Project Due), Monday by 3:10 pm

	Copyright 1996,1997,1998,1999: Illinois State University
	Last Modified: August 18, 2009
	Email: cheri@ilstu.edu