Factual description
A lesson entitled “Stochastic and non-linear systems” has been selected to be examined since it is relevant to complex systems.
The attributes of Complex Systems that are being highlighted in this lesson are the overview of complex systems, bifurcation, non-linear oscillators, chaos, fractals, fractional Gaussian motion, random paths, fractal dimensions (Katz’s, Higuchi’s, Sevcik’s methods), entropy (time evolution, symbolic dynamics, block entropy), power-laws, fast fourier transform, wavelts,, self-organisation. These concepts have been utilized in the courses (a) Environmental Technology and (b) Environmental modelling and optimization. The approach in the lesson is always multi-disciplinary because the study of environmental complex systems requires always such an approach.
According to the interviewee, the introduction to chaos, bifurcation, power-laws, fractals, fractal dimensions, Hurst and Liapounov exponents and self-organization are the main issues needed in order to teach Complex Systems. Although the students are not introduced in system thinking he believes that this would add value to the courses. The topic of Systems thinking will increase the level of understanding of the complex procedures in actual systems such as the environmental air-pollution systems (PM10, Ozone) and the environmental radiation systems (EM disturbances, radon in soil, water and groundwater). It will also provide insights of the internal dynamical non-linear procedures that generate the observed phenomena and give alternative ideas of analyzing and thinking of the surrounding sustainable earth systems. Moreover, acquired knowledge in this field will provide significant support and way of thinking and analysis to the students. In this sense, it is anticipated that it will help students in their future activities.
Throughout the mentioned lesson as well as in other relevant lessons the topic of ethical dimension is being emphasized in terms of copyright since it is significant in publishing, literature finding, book use, lecturing material.
