Thinking Complexity

Course Overview

Thinking Complexity is a four-chapter course designed to help students better understand and act when faced with complex situations. Through the course, students will learn to take a story from the news, describe what makes the situation complex and identify opportunities for effective action or change. Systems theory and complexity theory will be used to provide teachings, and proven data collection and modelling techniques from systems thinking and system dynamics will be used to help students understand the complexities of the situation. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of how to approach complex situations and be able to identify opportunities for effective action or change.

[Applications]
At the end of the Thinking Complexity course, students will have the skills to apply the concepts and techniques they have learned to their own complex situations. They will be able to identify the key elements of a complex system, use data collection and modelling techniques to better understand the system, and develop strategies for effective action or change. Additionally, students will be able to apply the principles of systems thinking and system dynamics to their own work and research.

[Career Paths]
1. Systems Analyst: Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing complex systems and developing solutions to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. They use data collection and modelling techniques to identify problems and develop solutions. As technology advances, the demand for Systems Analysts is expected to increase, making this a great career path for those interested in this course.

2. Business Analyst: Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and developing strategies to improve them. They use data collection and modelling techniques to identify problems and develop solutions. With the increasing demand for data-driven decision making, Business Analysts are in high demand and this is a great career path for those interested in this course.

3. Data Scientist: Data Scientists are responsible for analyzing large datasets and developing insights to inform decision making. They use data collection and modelling techniques to identify patterns and develop solutions. With the increasing demand for data-driven decision making, Data Scientists are in high demand and this is a great career path for those interested in this course.

4. Change Manager: Change Managers are responsible for leading and managing organizational change initiatives. They use data collection and modelling techniques to identify problems and develop solutions. With the increasing demand for organizational change initiatives, Change Managers are in high demand and this is a great career path for those interested in this course.

[Education Paths]
1. Systems Engineering: Systems engineering is a multidisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on how to design and manage complex systems over their life cycles. It is a rapidly growing field, with the demand for systems engineers expected to grow by 8% over the next decade. Systems engineering is a great choice for those interested in learning how to design and manage complex systems, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques used to develop and maintain complex systems.

2. Data Science: Data science is a rapidly growing field that combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science to analyze large datasets and uncover insights. It is a great choice for those interested in learning how to use data to make decisions and solve complex problems. Data science is becoming increasingly important in many industries, and the demand for data scientists is expected to grow by 28% over the next decade.

3. Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field that focuses on developing computer systems that can think and act like humans. It is a great choice for those interested in learning how to create intelligent systems that can solve complex problems. AI is becoming increasingly important in many industries, and the demand for AI engineers is expected to grow by 44% over the next decade.

4. Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field that focuses on protecting computer systems from malicious attacks. It is a great choice for those interested in learning how to protect computer systems from cyber threats. Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important in many industries, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow by 32% over the next decade.