Analysis and Modelling of Human-Environment Systems
Analyse und Modellierung von Mensch-Umwelt-Systemen
6 CPWinterENFÜS
Contents
How do deforestation, urban expansion, or climate policies impact ecosystems and communities? Understanding these complex interactions is key to tackling today’s urgent environmental challenges. This course provides an introduction to modelling human-environment systems, emphasizing the intricate feedback loops between human activities and the biophysical world—across local, regional, and global scales. The module has two main focus areas. First, students will explore the key characteristics of coupled socio-environmental systems. We will read and discuss interdisciplinary research papers on applied case studies and theoretical considerations and examine how models can bridge science and real-world decision-making — whether in climate change adaptation, land-use planning, or resource management. Specific topics include to understand how human behaviour is represented in models, which role play social networks and how common pool resource management can support sustainable outcomes. Guest speakers will enrich the course with diverse perspectives and practical insights. Second, students will acquire hands-on experience in agent-based modelling using the NetLogo programming environment designed for beginners. They will learn how to conceptualize, build, and analyse computer models to simulate interactions within socio-environmental systems. Additionally, an introduction to statistical data analysis in R will provide essential tools for model evaluation and interpretation.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will be able to: • Identify key features of coupled human-environment systems and apply this knowledge to interdisciplinary case studies. • Understand core principles of complex adaptive systems. • Design, implement, and analyse agent-based models to investigate human-environment interactions.
Assessment
• 6 Exercises / homework a ca. 3h (Model conceptualisation tasks, programming tasks in NetLogo and short research paper presentations) 50%, • Realisation of a modelling project, conceptualisation and presentation (10-15 min) of its results on a scientific poster, 50%
Literature (2)
- Marco Janssen (2020). Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling with applications to social, ecological and social-ecological systems. (ebook, 2n edition)
- Further literature will be announced in the module.
Source: BTU's module description · retrieved 29 Sep 2026Original