Introduction to Modeling of Human-Environment Systems

Title: Introduction to Modeling of Human-Environment Systems

Number: 701-0656-00L / 701-0656-00 G

Time and Place: Wed 13-15, CHN D 48

Credit Points: 3

Lecturer:

Dr. Roman Seidl, Dipl.-Psych.
Institute for Environmental Decisions (IED)
Natural and Social Science Interface (NSSI)
ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 22, CHN J74.1, 8092 Zürich

Tel.: +41 44 632 9319 E-mail: roman.seidl@env.ethz.ch

Dr. Quang Bao Le,
Institute for Environmental Decisions (IED)
Natural and Social Science Interface (NSSI)
ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 22, CHN J72.2, 8092 Zürich
Tel.: +41 44 632 4864 E-mail: quang.le@env.ethz.ch

Brief description

This lecture provides an overview of existing modeling methods for Human-Environment Systems. The term "model" is defined, and the areas of applications of several methods are discussed, in particular of multi-agent and system dynamics models. Selected examples relate to the fields of land use, energy, and water resources management.

Aim of the lecture

Human-Environment Systems are complex and dynamic. To describe these systems models can be applied as to address this complexity and dynamics properly. This lecture aims at providing an overview on appropriate modeling approaches, discussing their criteria of application. The focus is on multi-agent models and on system dynamics with examples of application in the fields of land use, energy and water management. It is not the goal to develop particular programming skills, but to enable the students to choose the right modeling approach for a specific problem. The course will make use of existing software packages for multi-agent and system dynamics modeling.

Semester-Plan and Material

Documents such as the handouts as PDFs can be found here: ILIAS.