ISEM 715 - Systems Science

(3 semester hours)
Prerequisites: Completion of all 500-level Breadth courses and ISEM 706, or permission of instructor
Description: This is a research-focused course that demands extensive student research (readings), academic writing and presentation. This course introduces the student to the discipline of “Systems Science”, which is characterized by multiple definitions but represents a field of scientific inquiry focused on the study of “systems”. The concept of “System” is introduced and discussed in a mathematical form. The relationship between mathematics, computer technology and systems science is also explored. Conceptual frameworks within which to characterize Systems Science are discussed. A Systems Methodology is presented as a guide within which to address system problems, including the development of systems models. The topics of complexity and complexity reduction are also discussed. The history and the current future states of Systems Science research are also explored.