Systems Science Winter CoursesSySc 511: System TheoryTu/Th 4-5:50PM, HH 104
SySc 511 surveys fundamental systems concepts and central aspects of systems theory. The course begins with an overview of the systems paradigm and the systems field as a whole. Topics then include introductions to set- and information-theoretic multivariate relations, dynamic systems, regulation and control, model representation and simulation; decision analysis, optimization, and game theory; artificial intelligence, complex adaptive systems. Readings draw from mathematics, the natural and social sciences, and the professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, business). The course content derives both from ¿classical¿ general systems theory, cybernetics, and operations research as well as from more contemporary systems research which is organized around the themes of nonlinear dynamics, complexity, and adaptation. SySc 512: Quantitative Methods of System ScienceTu/Th 2-3:50PM, HH 104
SySc 512 introduces the quantitative representation and investigation of systems with a focus on tools rather than applications. A new instructor will be teaching the course this year. In the past, topics included linear dyanmics, optimization, and uncertainty. Knowledge of calculus was assumed and linear algebra was used to present the main ideas. Matlab was used to perform calculations and show results. SySc 514: System DynamicsTu 6-9:30PM, NH 437
A lab and web-based course that introduces the student to the study of the dynamic behavior of continuous systems containing feedback. Vensim is the primary simulation language used in the course. For Winter 2006, the course has been ported to Sakai, an alternative web-based course delivery system under consideration by PSU. We will introduce everyone to this new system at the first lab session on 1/10/06 "Lecture" materials are provided on the web. Class time is used to assist students in carrying out various labs the reinforce the primary concepts. Some students may find that they can take the course almost entirely remotely. More information: http://www.webct.pdx.edu/public/sysc514ww2/index.html This will take you to the previous (WebCT) version of the course, as we are still working to get the Sakai version ready. SySc 551/651: Discrete Multivariate ModelingMW 4:00-5:50, HH 104
The course focuses on information theory as a modeling framework and as a tool for discrete multivariate analysis. The course presents set- and information-theoretic methods for studying static or dynamic (time series) relations among qualitative variables or among quantitative variables having unknown nonlinear relationships. In the "general systems" literature, this is known as "reconstructability analysis" (RA). RA overlaps partially with log-linear statistical techniques widely used in the social sciences; both are especially valuable in data-rich applications (but RA is not exclusively statistical). RA is highly relevant to the many interrelated "projects" which go under the names of data-mining, machine learning, knowledge discovery and representation, etc. Applied to data analysis, RA allows the decomposition and compression of multivariate probability distributions (contingency tables) and set-theoretic relations (and mappings), as well as the composition of multiple distributions/relations. The methods are very general. They are valuable in the natural and social sciences and in engineering, business, or other professional fields whenever categorical variables are useful or linear models are inadequate. Applied to the conceptualization of "structure" and "complexity," these set- and information-theoretic ideas are foundational for systems science. see also Research in Discrete Multivariate Modeling SySc 576 AI: Neural Networks IIMW 4:00-5:50, Room TBA
Focuses on applications. Topics in fuzzy set theory, control theory, and pattern recognition are studied and incorporated in considering neural networks. A Design project (using NN simulator) in selected application area is done by each student. For more infromation, see the couse home page for Winter 2006 |
