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Agent-Based Modelling

INF34806

About this course

This course presents the fundamental principles of agent-based modeling, empowering students to construct simulations that mirror the behaviors and interactions of individual agents within complex systems.
Through a blend of theoretical discussions and hands-on exercises, students gain background knowledge in designing models that adapt and evolve over time, mimicking the complexities inherent in biological, ecological, social, and technological systems.
The course emphasizes the integration of agent-based models as a powerful tool for understanding emergent phenomena, pattern formation, and system-level dynamics. Students engage with real-world case studies, sharpening their skills in model calibration, validation, and interpretation.
By the course's conclusion, students emerge with a profound understanding of how agent-based modeling serves as a versatile and insightful approach to unraveling the dynamics of complex systems in a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

  • Formulate research questions, i.e., a theoretical or empirical question to investigate
  • Designing microscopic models to describe the behaviour and dynamics of complex systems (i.e., using agents, and their interactions)
  • Create simulations through coding agent-based models that operationalize the research questions
  • Validate the model using sensitivity analysis of the variable space and validation against theory or empirical data
  • Analyze the performance of the developed agent-based models

Prior knowledge

Assumed Knowledge:
Preferably: basic programming experience, for instance, INF22306 Programming in Python, INF20806 Applied Information Technology or BIF50806 Practical Computing for Biologists

Resources

Additional information

  • Credits
    ECTS 6
  • Level
    bachelor
  • Selection course
    No
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Offering(s)

  • Start date

    10 February 2025

    • Ends
      7 March 2025
    • Term *
      Period 4
    • Location
      Wageningen
    • Instruction language
      English
    • Register between
      1 Jun, 00:00 - 12 Jan 2025
    Enrolment open
These offerings are valid for students of Utrecht University