CS 295/ NR 385 Simulation Modeling II - Advanced Topics, Spatial Modeling

Alexey Voinov

TA: Erica Gaddis

Prerequisites: Simulation Modeling I, Math 230 or 271 recommended or Instructor Permission

This is an advanced course to simulation modeling of dynamic systems that will include theoretical studies and hands-on modeling workshops. It will familiarize participants with systems analysis and modeling with applications and case studies drawn primarily from ecology and economics. Most of the focus will be on spatial dynamic modeling. The Spatial Modeling Environment, an open source modeling package will be the main software tool, however several other modeling software packages will be introduced, including Simile, StarLogo, etc. We will consider different modeling strategies and learn how to formulate, build and analyze models. Development of new models and modules within the SME framework will be encouraged as part of the course project.

The course will meet twice a week. We will start with a brief introduction to systems modeling concepts and modeling software, with several worked out examples. We will look into some of the main mathematical paradigms that are used in spatial modeling. We will explore the ideas of open source and Linux. Participants will work through example exercises, read and report on models in the current literature, and build, calibrate and run their own models, either alone or in a small team. Ideally a team will consist of a mix of students with more quantitative and programming skills and students with more applied knowledge, say a student from the Computer Science or Engineering departments will team up with a student from RSENR or CDAE. By the end of the course participants will be expected to produce a working model, preferably related to their research topic. Course grading will be: 30% exercises, 20% class presentations and participation, 50% project.

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Contact Alexey Voinov at alexey.voinov@uvm.edu