Foundations of System Dynamics: Analyzing Complex Systems

Understanding how complex systems behave over time is critical for solving modern social, economic, and technical challenges. This course introduces you to the core principles of system dynamics, helping you move beyond linear thinking to see the feedback loops that shape our world. You will learn how to read, critique, and conceptualize dynamic models, moving from basic feedback structures to policy design. By studying classic modeling patterns and modern applications, you will develop the analytical skills needed to evaluate existing research and propose system improvements. What you will learn: Understand the foundational concepts of feedback loops, stocks, flows, and causal loop diagrams; Analyze classic dynamic models across social, economic, and technical domains; Critique existing system dynamics research by identifying model boundary limitations and structural assumptions; Apply policy design principles to test how structural changes affect long-term system behavior; Explore modern developments in simulation thinking, including policy testing under uncertainty and complex feedback dynamics. The course begins with essential definitions and the history of systems thinking before guiding you through model structure analysis and critiquing methodologies. You will progress through written case studies and conceptual exercises designed to build your modeling intuition. This course is designed for beginners, researchers, and analytical thinkers who want to understand systemic complexity, with no prior mathematical modeling experience required. Start reading today to unlock a deeper understanding of the hidden feedback structures that govern our world.