Foundations of Systems Modeling and Simulation

Understanding how complex systems behave is essential for solving problems in engineering, science, and data analysis. This text-based course provides a structured introduction to conceptual modeling, system dynamics, and modern simulation workflows. You will learn how to break down real-world scenarios into structured components, define governing rules, and evaluate system behaviors over time. What you'll learn: - Understand core modeling terminology, system boundaries, and conceptual frameworks - Design causal loop representations and stock-and-flow structures - Formulate basic mathematical models and discrete-event logic - Apply modern iterative simulation patterns to analyze system feedback - Evaluate model assumptions, validation criteria, and error bounds - Practice documenting and refining models for decision-making The course begins with foundational definitions and theoretical concepts before advancing through practical modeling examples and analytical exercises. Designed for beginners, no prior background in advanced mathematics or simulation software is required. Start reading today to build a solid foundation in systems modeling.