Simulation

Key Faculty: Preston White

Area Description: Simulation is a powerful approach to understanding the implications of alternative designs and operating policies.  In contrast to laboratory or fields tests, the advantage of simulation is the accessibility of the model for controlled experimentation.  Simulations can be run under conditions that are too expensive, time-consuming, disruptive, or dangerous to reproduce directly.  Even systems that cannot be realized with current technologies can be simulated.  In contrast to other model-based methodologies, the advantage of simulation is the universality of the experimental approach.  Simulations can be used to answer questions regarding systems that are far too large or complex to admit closed-form or even approximate solutions to analytical models.  A successful simulation study applies systems engineering methodology to guide the entire process of problem formulation, model-based inquiry, reporting, and decision-making.  A concentration in simulation emphasizes the integration of core competencies in modeling, analysis, computation, design, optimization, and supporting information technologies.  A concentration in simulation can be tailored to support applications in communications, transportation, manufacturing, logistics, military science, and business and service systems.
Potential Courses:
SYS 612 Dynamic Systems
SYS 614 Decision Analysis
SYS/CS 616 Knowledge-Based Systems
SYS 634 Discrete-Event Stochastic Simulation
SYS 650 Risk Analysis
SYS 670 Environmental Systems Analysis
SYS 674 Total Quality Engineering
SYS 693 Independent Study
SYS 702 Case Studies in Systems Engineering
SYS/CS 716 Artificial Intelligence
SYS 730 Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
SYS 734 Advanced Systems Simulation
SYS 742 Heuristic Search
SYS 750 Advanced Methods in Optimization
SYS 752 Sequential Decision Processes
SYS 754 Multiobjective Optimization
SYS 763 Response Surface Methods
SYS 770 Sequencing and Scheduling
SYS 781 Advanced Topics
CE 535 Transportation Systems Planning I
CE 632 Project Management
CE 635 Transportation Systems Planning II
CE 636 Traffic Operations
CE 637 Traffic Systems Management
CE 732 Transportation Systems Planning III
CE 734 Traffic Flow Theory
CE 735 Intermodal Transportation
CS 644 Introduction to Parallel Computing
CS 655 Programming Languages
CS 661 Design & Analysis of Algorithms
CS 662 Database Systems
CS 685 Software Engineering
CS/EE 715 Performance Analysis of Communication
Networks
CS/EE 757 Computer Networks
MAE 665 Computer Aided Engineering and Design
MAE 666 Manufacturing Processes and Materials
MAE 667 Introduction to Manufacturing Systems
MAE 668 Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
CHE 635 Process Control and Dynamics
CHE 674 Process Design and Economics
EE 564 Microelectronic IC Fabrication
EE 613 Communication Systems Engineering
EE 621 Linear Automatic Control Systems
EE 712 Digital Communications
GBUS 711 Operations
GBUS 712 Operations
GBUS 881 Manufacturing Operations and Control
GBUS 883 Quality Management
GBUS 885 Process Quality Management
STAT 512 Applied Linear Models
STAT 513 Applied Multivariate Statistics
STAT 516 Experimental Design
STAT 517 Applied Time Series
COMM 767 Management of Information Systems
COMM 768 Adv. Database Management Systems
COMM 769 Advanced Systems Design
COMM 780 Data Communications and Networking
Example Concentration Areas 
A student interested in any area has the ability to customize his course selection to fit his concentration. Possible concentrations in simulation include:

Simulation Modeling and Analysis 

SYS 612
SYS 634
SYS 730
SYS 734
SYS 742
SYS 752
SYS763
STAT 516

Communications Systems Simulation

SYS 634
SYS 734
EE 613 
EE 712 
CS/EE 715 
CS/EE 757 
COMM 780 

Transportation Systems Simulation

SYS 634
SYS 734
SYS 750
CE 637
CE 535
CE 635

Manufacturing Systems Simulation

SYS 634
SYS 734
SYS 708
SYS 763
SYS 770
GBUS 881
 
Job Opportunities 
A student studying simulation will find abundant job opportunities in business and engineering consulting firms, communications and electronics companies, transportation and planning agencies, consumer products and manufacturing industures, and firms in the service sector.