SYSEN531 - Probability Models and Simulation
Fall 2013, Section 001 - 3.0 Credits
Schedule Number 176539
Important Dates
Reg Period: 3/14/2013 - 10/21/2013
First Day of Class: 10/21/2013
End of Class: 12/8/2013
Ready To Enroll?
Use the Schedule This Course table below to get started.
Contact Us
800-252-3592
814-865-5403 (international)
814-865-0741 (TTY - hearing impaired)
fax: 814-865-3290
e-mail: psuwd@psu.edu
Penn State World Campus
The Pennsylvania State University
128 Outreach Building
University Park PA 16802
Course Description
Provides background in modeling problems containing random components that must be accounted for in a reasonable solution.
Strong writing skills are recommended for this course. If English is not your native language, it is important that you read additional information regarding English language proficiency before registering for this course.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the course.
Costs and Fees
This course will be included in your semester bill.
Remarks
This course will address the development of mathematical models when key elements of the system being modeled are random. Models will be solved analytically and/or through the use of simulation using a variety of tools. Coverage will include 1) decision making under uncertainty including utility theory and the analytic hierarchy process for multi-objective decisions, 2) Markov chains, 3) Queuing theory in which a variety of performance measures (e.g. average line length, average waiting time) are deduced from the nature of the random arrival and service processes and the system characteristics and 4) Simulation as a general numerical method of arriving at the solution of problems with significant random elements. Course delivery will be managed through ANGEL. In addition to the textbook that students purchase, online instruction will be facilitated by supplemental Web-based summaries, online audio/video, discussion forums, and digitally submitted course assignments. Remedial instruction will be available by telephone.
This course is part of a cohort program and is only available to students accepted into the Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering program - cohort 14.
Schedule This Course
| If you are a: | Please: |
|---|---|
| First-time Penn State student | Phone, fax, or mail this form or Contact Us |
| Returning World Campus student (with active Penn State Access Account*) | Schedule via eLion or Contact Us** |
| Returning World Campus student (without active Penn State Access Account*) | Phone, fax, or mail this form |
| Student from a Penn State campus other than World Campus | Contact Us |
* Verify an existing Access Account or request a new Access Account and return it.
**The first day to schedule classes is based on the priority registration process.
Note: For a step-by-step process, see our Schedule a Course page.
Material Requirements
Your course materials are listed below. Textbooks can be acquired from any number of textbook sellers. If you wish, you may purchase your books from the sources listed below. The information displayed is provided pursuant to the U.S. Higher Education Opportunity Act.
| Material Title | Edition | Author | ISBN | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Probability Models, Volume 2 with CD | 4th | Winston, Wayne | 9780534405724 | MBS |
Technical Requirements
Please test your computer for requirements
Software Requirements
Requires: SYSEN 531 requires students to install LINGO, @Risk, and Precision Tree*, three applications on the CD that is included with the assigned textbook for the course. In addition to the basic World Campus technical requirements for hardware, usage of the Firefox 3.5.3 Web browser is required. In Firefox, students must install the most current version of the Adobe Flash Player browser plug-in (version 10.0 or higher) and have the ability to install other Web browser plug-ins when necessary (i.e. Adobe Connect browser plug-in). Internet Explorer (any version) support is NOT provided in this course, and therefore, should not be used by students. It is also highly recommended that students have software that allows for the creation of PDF files. An updated version for Office 2007 is available on the website.
Note: The above information is subject to change at any time by The Pennsylvania State University.