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Kayla de la Haye,
Thomas Glass,
Daniel Taber,
Jessica Jones-Smith,
and
Rahmat Beheshti
Systems science has been instrumental in breaking new scientific ground in diverse fields such as meteorology, engineering and decision analysis. However, it is just beginning to impact public health. This seminar is designed to introduce students to basic tools of theory building and data analysis in systems science and to apply those tools to better understand the obesity epidemic in human populations. There will also be a lab in which students will use a simple demonstration model of food acquisition behavior using agent-based modeling on standard (free) software (netlogo). The central organizing idea of the course is to examine the obesity epidemic at a population level as an emergent properties of complex, nested systems, with attention to feedback processes, multilevel interactions, and the phenomenon of emergence. While the emphasis will be on obesity, the goal will be to explore ways in which the systems approach can be applied to other non-communicable diseases both nationally and internationally.
Read more
Systems science has been instrumental in breaking new scientific ground in diverse fields such as meteorology, engineering and decision analysis. However, it is just beginning to impact public health. This seminar is designed to introduce students to basic tools of theory building and data analysis in systems science and to apply those tools to better understand the obesity epidemic in human populations. There will also be a lab in which students will use a simple demonstration model of food acquisition behavior using agent-based modeling on standard (free) software (netlogo). The central organizing idea of the course is to examine the obesity epidemic at a population level as an emergent properties of complex, nested systems, with attention to feedback processes, multilevel interactions, and the phenomenon of emergence. While the emphasis will be on obesity, the goal will be to explore ways in which the systems approach can be applied to other non-communicable diseases both nationally and internationally.
Read more
Systems science has been instrumental in breaking new scientific ground in diverse fields such as meteorology, engineering and decision analysis. However, it is just beginning to impact public health. This seminar is designed to introduce students to basic tools of theory building and data analysis in systems science and to apply those tools to better understand the obesity epidemic in human populations. There will also be a lab in which students will use a simple demonstration model of food acquisition behavior using agent-based modeling on standard (free) software (netlogo). The central organizing idea of the course is to examine the obesity epidemic at a population level as an emergent properties of complex, nested systems, with attention to feedback processes, multilevel interactions, and the phenomenon of emergence. While the emphasis will be on obesity, the goal will be to explore ways in which the systems approach can be applied to other non-communicable diseases both nationally and internationally.
Topics will include:
a) the epidemiology of obesity across time and place,
b) theories to explain population obesity,
c) the role of environments and economic resources in obesity
c) basic concepts and tools of systems science,
d) modeling energy-balance related behaviors in context,
e) agent-based models, systems dynamic models, and social network models
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/q1wx80/systems
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1
Obesity, the facts of the case, and human populations through a systems science lens.
Module 2
Complex systems, system dynamic models, and developing a stock and flow. This module includes a lab lesson.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1
Obesity, the facts of the case, and human populations through a systems science lens.
Module 2
Complex systems, system dynamic models, and developing a stock and flow. This module includes a lab lesson.
Read more
Module 3
Social networks and obesity, neighborhoods and noshing, and prices and poverty.
Module 4
Agent based modeling and conceptual motivation for agent based modeling. This module includes a lab lesson.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundational understanding of systems science concepts and tools
Focuses on a highly relevant and prevalent health issue, the obesity epidemic
Led by instructors who specialize in systems science and public health
Utilizes multiple teaching modalities, including labs and interactive materials
May require students to have some background in quantitative methods or data analysis
Course materials may be slightly outdated, as they were developed in 2016
Save this course
Save Systems Science and Obesity to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Engaging systems science in obesity
Learners say Systems Science and Obesity is a great course that is engaging and provides practical tools for understanding obesity dynamics and their effects on society. This course offers comprehensive lectures and resources that combine systems science and computer modeling to help learners understand the complex relationship between these two areas. Despite some technical difficulties with NetLogo, the course has been praised for its clear and well-structured content. Additionally, students are introduced to agent-based modeling and have the opportunity to work with real-world data related to obesity.
Course provides a unique perspective on obesity and its impact on society.
"It is a great course, new approach to obesity epidemic."
"Excellent course!! Congratulations to the organizers. Thank you!! It will contribute a lot to my research with network analysis and obesity."
"I am an electrical engineer who worked for a few years as a system's engineer. Lately I have been interested in studying how the dynamics in working environment affects itself."
Many instructors make the course enjoyable and understandable.
"Two lecturers were engaging, two were tediously dull to listen to (x1.5 speed), two were quite difficult to understand."
"i Learned so much"
"Thank you so much for everyone's contribution."
Extensive coursework supports understanding of obesity dynamics.
"The course is very complete and well structured, with quality and prestigious professors."
"It is such a wonderful course. Have learnt a lot."
"Aprendí mucho de este curso, los diferentes docentes enfocaron con ejemplos reales la ciencia de la obesidad."
Course material includes some technical difficulties with NetLogo.
"Also no instructions for running the NetLogo models, I ran them on Netlogoweb.org and two of them exceptioned on load."
"Whilst the lectures were on obesity and society and systems modelling. However when it came to the agent based modelling... oh dear..."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Systems Science and Obesity with these
activities:
Complex Systems Modeling Questions
Show steps
Improves problem-solving skills by engaging with exercises and questions that challenge the understanding of complex systems and their applications.
Browse courses on
Complex Systems
Show steps
-
Access online resources or textbooks with practice questions
-
Attempt to solve the questions independently
-
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement
Obesity Data Analysis Group
Show steps
Engages students in active learning through collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of complex systems and the scientific method.
Browse courses on
Obesity
Show steps
-
Join or form a group of 3-4 peers
-
Gather data related to obesity from reputable sources
-
Analyze the data using statistical methods
-
Present findings to the group
-
Write a summary report of the project
Practice Using Agent-Based Modeling Software
Show steps
Practice using NetLogo to develop and run agent-based models to improve your understanding of the concepts and tools introduced in the course.
Browse courses on
Agent-Based Modeling
Show steps
-
Install NetLogo on your computer.
-
Review the NetLogo User Manual.
-
Create a simple agent-based model in NetLogo.
-
Run the model and observe the results.
-
Experiment with different model parameters and observe the effects on the results.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Agent-Based Modeling with Netlogo
Show steps
Strengthens students' modeling skills, enhancing their ability to apply systems science tools to complex health issues.
Browse courses on
Agent-Based Modeling
Show steps
-
Access the Netlogo software and tutorials
-
Follow the guided tutorials on building agent-based models
-
Develop a simple model related to obesity
-
Refine the model and analyze the results
Obesity Simulation Dashboard
Show steps
Integrates knowledge from the course by creating a valuable tool that allows for ongoing exploration and analysis of obesity data.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Gather data on obesity prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes
-
Develop a conceptual model for the dashboard
-
Use a data visualization tool to create interactive graphs and charts
-
Deploy the dashboard and share it with others
Obesity Awareness Campaign
Show steps
Enhances communication and outreach skills by creating a campaign that promotes awareness and understanding of obesity.
Browse courses on
Obesity
Show steps
-
Identify target audience and research their needs
-
Develop key messages and create engaging content
-
Choose appropriate channels for dissemination
-
Monitor and evaluate the campaign's impact
-
Share results and lessons learned
Personalized Obesity Intervention Plan
Show steps
Applies concepts from the course to real-world scenarios by developing a tailored plan to address the complexities of obesity and promote healthy outcomes.
Browse courses on
Obesity
Show steps
-
Implement and monitor the plan
-
Identify a specific population or individual to focus on
-
Assess risk factors, behaviors, and environmental influences
-
Develop a comprehensive intervention plan
Complex Systems Modeling Questions
Show steps
Improves problem-solving skills by engaging with exercises and questions that challenge the understanding of complex systems and their applications.
Browse courses on
Complex Systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access online resources or textbooks with practice questions
- Attempt to solve the questions independently
- Review solutions and identify areas for improvement
Obesity Data Analysis Group
Show steps
Engages students in active learning through collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of complex systems and the scientific method.
Browse courses on
Obesity
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or form a group of 3-4 peers
- Gather data related to obesity from reputable sources
- Analyze the data using statistical methods
- Present findings to the group
- Write a summary report of the project
Practice Using Agent-Based Modeling Software
Show steps
Practice using NetLogo to develop and run agent-based models to improve your understanding of the concepts and tools introduced in the course.
Browse courses on
Agent-Based Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Install NetLogo on your computer.
- Review the NetLogo User Manual.
- Create a simple agent-based model in NetLogo.
- Run the model and observe the results.
- Experiment with different model parameters and observe the effects on the results.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Agent-Based Modeling with Netlogo
Show steps
Strengthens students' modeling skills, enhancing their ability to apply systems science tools to complex health issues.
Browse courses on
Agent-Based Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access the Netlogo software and tutorials
- Follow the guided tutorials on building agent-based models
- Develop a simple model related to obesity
- Refine the model and analyze the results
Obesity Simulation Dashboard
Show steps
Integrates knowledge from the course by creating a valuable tool that allows for ongoing exploration and analysis of obesity data.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather data on obesity prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes
- Develop a conceptual model for the dashboard
- Use a data visualization tool to create interactive graphs and charts
- Deploy the dashboard and share it with others
Obesity Awareness Campaign
Show steps
Enhances communication and outreach skills by creating a campaign that promotes awareness and understanding of obesity.
Browse courses on
Obesity
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify target audience and research their needs
- Develop key messages and create engaging content
- Choose appropriate channels for dissemination
- Monitor and evaluate the campaign's impact
- Share results and lessons learned
Personalized Obesity Intervention Plan
Show steps
Applies concepts from the course to real-world scenarios by developing a tailored plan to address the complexities of obesity and promote healthy outcomes.
Browse courses on
Obesity
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Implement and monitor the plan
- Identify a specific population or individual to focus on
- Assess risk factors, behaviors, and environmental influences
- Develop a comprehensive intervention plan
Career center
Learners who complete Systems Science and Obesity will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Public Health Nutritionist
Public Health Nutritionist
They help people make informed decisions about their diet and nutrition. Public Health Nutritionists may work in government, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to change behavior. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to create effective public health nutrition programs.
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Informatics Specialist
They use data and technology to improve healthcare delivery. Health Informatics Specialists may work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare organizations. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to develop and implement health informatics systems.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
They investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. Epidemiologists may work in government, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to develop and evaluate public health policies.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analyst
They use data to identify and solve public health problems. Public Health Analysts may work in government, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to develop and evaluate public health policies.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
They analyze and develop policies to improve the health of populations. Health Policy Analysts may work in government, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to develop and evaluate public health policies.
Health Educator
Health Educator
They help people make informed decisions about their health. Health Educators plan, implement, and evaluate health education programs. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to change behavior. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to create effective health education programs.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
They use statistical methods to analyze data in the life sciences. Biostatisticians may work in government, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. This course may be useful because it provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on obesity may help you apply these skills to a public health issue.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
They design, develop, and implement computer systems. Systems Analysts may work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and government. This course may be useful because it provides the basic tools for building theories and analyzing complex systems. The emphasis on obesity may help you apply these skills to a public health issue.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
They use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data. Quantitative Analysts may work in investment banks, hedge funds, or other financial institutions. This course may be useful because it provides the basic tools for building theories and analyzing complex systems. The emphasis on obesity may help you apply these skills to a public health issue.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
They conduct research to understand consumer behavior. Market Research Analysts may work in marketing firms, advertising agencies, or other businesses. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to develop and evaluate marketing campaigns.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
They use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Operations Research Analysts may work in government, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful because it provides the basic tools for building theories and analyzing complex systems, as well as providing tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on obesity may help you apply these skills to a public health issue.
Actuary
Actuary
They use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk. Actuaries may work in insurance companies, pension funds, or other financial institutions. This course may be useful because it provides the basic tools for building theories and analyzing complex systems. The emphasis on obesity may help you apply these skills to a public health issue.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
They provide advice to healthcare organizations on how to improve their operations and patient care. Healthcare Consultants may work for consulting firms, hospitals, or other healthcare organizations. This course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the obesity epidemic and its causes. It also provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on systems science may help you understand how to develop and evaluate healthcare policies and programs.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use large datasets to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions. They study the trends in data to identify potential outcomes and opportunities. This course may be useful because it provides the basic tools for building theories and analyzing complex systems, which includes the use of multiple data science methods, such as agent-based modeling and data analysis. As a Systems Science and Obesity course, the emphasis on obesity may help you apply these skills to a public health issue.
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researcher
They conduct research to understand how users interact with products and services. User Experience Researchers may work in technology companies, design firms, or other businesses. This course may be useful because it provides tools for understanding how to analyze data and identify trends. The emphasis on obesity may help you apply these skills to a public health issue.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q1wx80/systems
Reading list
We've selected 17 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Systems Science and Obesity.
Explores the social and economic factors that contribute to obesity, including poverty, inequality, and food insecurity.
Provides a practical guide to using systems thinking to strengthen health systems, including in the context of obesity.
Save
Provides an overview of the social determinants of health, including their impact on obesity. It would be particularly useful for students who want to learn more about the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity.
Save
Examines the political factors that contribute to obesity, including the influence of the food industry and the lack of government action.
Save
Provides an introduction to systems dynamics modeling, a computational modeling technique that can be used to simulate complex systems, such as the obesity epidemic.
Provides a personal perspective on the obesity epidemic, exploring the role of food addiction and the need for a societal approach to addressing it.
Provides an introduction to agent-based modeling, a computational modeling technique that can be used to simulate complex systems, such as the obesity epidemic.
Save
Provides a guide to a plant-based diet that can help to prevent and reverse obesity. It would be useful for students who want to learn more about the role of nutrition in obesity.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the obesity epidemic, including its causes, consequences, and prevention. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the obesity epidemic.
Save
Provides a guide to mindful eating, a practice that can help to prevent and reverse obesity. It would be useful for students who want to learn more about the role of psychology in obesity.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to weight loss and obesity prevention. It would be useful for students who want to learn more about the practical aspects of obesity management.
Save
Challenges the conventional wisdom about obesity and its causes. It would be useful for students who want to learn more about the social and political factors that contribute to obesity.
Save
Provides an overview of the science of obesity and its causes. It would be useful for students who want to learn more about the role of food and nutrition in obesity.
Save
Examines the psychological factors that contribute to overeating.
Presents the results of a comprehensive study on the relationship between nutrition and disease, including obesity.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to following a Whole30 diet, which restrictive diet that eliminates certain food groups.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the obesity epidemic, including its causes and potential solutions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q1wx80/systems
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Kayla de la Haye
Thomas Glass
Daniel Taber
Jessica Jones-Smith
Rahmat Beheshti
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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Português
Deutsch
Italiano
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Good to know
Provides a foundational understanding of systems science concepts and tools
Focuses on a highly relevant and prevalent health issue, the obesity epidemic
Led by instructors who specialize in systems science and public health
Utilizes multiple teaching modalities, including labs and interactive materials
May require students to have some background in quantitative methods or data analysis
Course materials may be slightly outdated, as they were developed in 2016
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