Systems thinking, Scenarios & Indicators for SD

Course goals

• Appraise and explain how the theories and concepts taught in the course Perspectives on Sustainable Development (PSD) (GEO4-2301) relate to sustainable development indicators, models, and the development of projections and scenarios;
• Interpretate systems in the field of sustainability research and develop causal loop diagrams and stock-flow diagrams to describe effects and feedbacks in the systems;
• Use the programming language Python and the Microsoft Excel software to analyse and develop mathematical and agent based models in the context of sustainability research;
• Summarize the interrelationship between models, scenarios and indicators, specifically those that relate to interactions and dynamics of social-ecological systems;
• Develop and critically evaluate sustainable development indicators and scenarios in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Content

The course is organized around four hands-on assignments and one exam. We will start with the analysis of dynamic systems and introduce the concepts behind this methodological approach through the use of mathematical models in the Python programming language. After that, students will use Python to learn about agent-based modelling, which involves understanding how individual behavioural choices can affect collective outcomes. Then we will use Microsoft Excel to develop scenarios to assess how we can sustainably feed a growing population. The exam will cover the theoretical concepts discussed during the lectures, guest-lectures, assigned readings and assignments. Throughout the course, students work on a group research project that involves a scientific analysis of a self-selected sustainability issue via different sustainable development indicators, such as: Environmental Performance Index, Human Development Index, Ecological Footprint, Happy Planet Index, etc. The results of the research assignment are presented (orally and in writing) in the last week of the course.
 
The course is a sequel to the course SUSD-Perspectives on Sustainable Development (GEO4-2301) and its content is assumed to be known.

This course is an entry requirement for: Master's Thesis SD (GEO4-2321).