SL: ENVS 295-- Modeling Environmental Systems
SYLLABUS
Overview
This course marries the concepts of computer simulation of environmental models and Systems Thinking, both
of which are gaining increasing societal relevance. Computer simulation helps you better understand complex
environmental system behaviors. Systems Thinking is the art and science of making reliable inferences about
the behavior of a complex system by developing a deep understanding of its underlying structure.
Prerequisite
It is preferred, but not required, that you have taken ENVS 195--Systems Thinking
Goals and Objectives
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Use environmental models to understand sustainability in complex systems
Learn how to conceptualize, construct, and test computer models of the environment
Become thoroughly familiar with the computer modeling language STELLA
Learn the underlying assumptions built into four environmental models and learn how these models are
currently used
Course Content
Part I: Overview of Environmental Systems Modeling--You will learn the computer simulation language
STELLA to create environmental models. STELLA is one of the most appropriate computer icon-based simulation
languages for understanding the behavior of complex systems.
Part II: Creating Environmental Models--You will use STELLA to create two, simple, environmental models and
use these models to understand their behaviors over time.
Part III: Understanding Complex Models--You will study two models covering sustainable limits to growth and
global warming. These models are enduring and profound—one has been studied for forty years. Both provide a
wealth of information about the long-term behavior of complex environmental systems.
Readings
There are no required texts, but readings will come from the following sources:
“Thinking in Systems”, by Donella Meadows
“Modeling the Environment, 2nd Edition”, by Andrew Ford
Relevant articles from System Thinking journals, especially publications from the Sustainability Institute
1
Service-Learning Project
This is the model-building part of the course. You will work in teams with the other class members and the
nonprofit Community Partner (Vermonters for a Sustainable Population). Together, you will create a computer
simulation model that looks at the impact of Vermont’s increasing population growth on different aspects of our
state’s quality of life, such as sprawl, resource depletion, pollution, and economic growth. Then you will use this
model to simulate different scenarios to identify high-leverage policy solutions and implementable
recommendations to the partner.
Topic Outline
Class
Topics
1
Course Overview
STELLA modeling
Stocks and flows
2
One stock models
3
Two stock models
Delays & Oscillations
4
Two stock models--continued
Formulating STELLA equations
5
Review of classes 1-4
Quiz #1
6&7
Scarce Resources: Fishbanks Model
8&9
Predator-Prey: Kaibab Plateau Model
10
Review of classes 6-9
Quiz #2
11 & 12
Climate Change: C-Roads Model
Climate Interactive Talk
13 & 14
Limits to Growth: World3 Model
Implementation
15
Review of classes 11-14
Quiz #3
2