OVERVIEW

The course describes the main features of complex dynamic systems and provides an overview of the methodological aspects for analyzing the main structural and behavioral properties of such processes.

The course also describes the main modeling classes for complex systems (discrete event systems, Markov chains, queuing and queuing networks theory) and the analysis methods relating to these classes with specific application examples for which sustainability concepts are detailed. Sustainability from a technical, environmental, economic, and social point of view is reported.

The course introduces some planning and control methods of interest for the developed examples to contextualize the course in the curriculum about Sustainable Systems Engineering.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course equips the students with the tools and methodologies necessary to analyze, design, and optimize sustainable systems. From energy systems and transportation networks to urban infrastructure and ecological ecosystems, participants will gain a holistic understanding of complex systems dynamics and learn to identify leverage points for positive change.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes of the course refer to the ability of:

-        Understand the dynamic features of a process;

-        Define a model suitable for representing the process and fulfill the objectives of the required analysis;

-        Know the analysis methods of the different modeling classes;

-        Identify process sustainability indicators;

-        Define basic planning and control methods to improve the sustainability of the process.

PREREQUISITES

The course prerequisites refer to basic elements of systems theory and statistics.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists in lessons during which the theoretical contents of the course are presented together with the solution of numerical cases and the use of some software frameworks related to the course topics.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to discuss potential teaching methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take individual learning styles into account.

Student workers can contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to receive information about the teaching materials.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to dynamic systems and description of the main modeling categories.

Definition of the main structural and behavioral properties of a dynamic process. Property analysis methods for time-invariant dynamical systems.

Description of the following classes of models: discrete event systems, Markov chains, queuing theory and queuing networks theory.

Application examples of complex systems and related modeling techniques: transport systems and logistics networks.

Definition of sustainability indicators for complex dynamic processes.

Introduction to the planning and control of complex systems in order to improve their sustainability. Application examples: reduction of pollutant emissions in transport systems, increase in safety in traffic networks.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All teaching materials will be available on Aulaweb. Generally, notes taken during lessons and the slides provided on Aulaweb, together with some scientific papers given by the teachers, constitute the necessary texts to acquire the proposed skills.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

September 15, 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral assessment.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the exam the student has to present the main arguments of the course, to solve numerical exercises and to explain the theoretical notions necessary for their solution

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with certified SLD, disabilities, or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on assessment methods, considering individual learning needs while respecting the teaching objectives.

Student workers are advised to contact the teacher to agree on assessment methods.