Individual-based (or ‘agent-based’) models (IBMs, ABMs) are now a popular technique for understanding how the dynamics of complex systems arise from characteristics and behaviours of their individual components and their environment. Agent-based modelling has broad application to natural and social sciences, and also offers important advantages for real-world management.
 
This five-day course will introduce the principles and practice of agent-based modelling. Participants will learn how to design, implement, and evaluate ABMs that are relevant to their own fields of research and teaching. The workshop includes introductory instruction in NetLogo, a popular and powerful software platform and programming language specifically for ABMs.

Instruction will be led by Professors Volker Grimm and Steve Railsback, leading experts, educators and authors of agent-based modelling theory and practice. This course will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, programming tutorials and exercises, open discussion, and independent project work.

 Instruction on model implementation will use NetLogo, a widely-used, free platform for ABMs. NetLogo provides a programming language with hundreds of ABM-specific commands, graphical user interfaces, and tools for simulation experiments. It works on all major operating systems. Participants will receive a thorough introduction to NetLogo that should allow them to become productive users.

All participants must bring their own computer (Windows, Macintosh, or Linux), with a recent version (6.4.0 or later) of NetLogo installed.

Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the tutorials that are packaged with NetLogo in advance. (From NetLogo’s Help menu, select “User Manual”; tutorials are in the User Manual menu.)

1.       Railsback SF, Grimm V (2019) Agent-Based and Individual-Based Modeling: A Practical Introduction, 2nd Edition, Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J. (Or the first edition, 2012.)
 
(Strongly recommended) Many lessons, projects and exercises will be used from this textbook. Therefore, it is highly recommended that this book be purchased prior to attending this course. Paper and digital versions are available through the publisher’s website (https://press.princeton.edu/europe), and through on-line booksellers.

2.       Grimm V, Railsback SF (2005) Individual-based Modeling and Ecology, Princeton University Press, Princeton N.J., 428 pp.

 (Optional) This book provides a more comprehensive introduction to individual-based modelling in ecology.
 

Monday – Classes from 9:30 to 17:30
 
Morning lectures: 1) Introduction to IBMs and ABMs and why we use them; motivational models and successful examples, 2) Introduction to NetLogo
 
Afternoon exercises: 1) Programming a first NetLogo model, 2) From animations to science: designing and running simulation experiments
 
Afternoon lecture: The ODD protocol for describing and designing ABMs
 
 
Tuesday – Classes from 9:30 to 17:30
 
Morning lectures: 1) Design concepts, 2) Pattern-oriented modelling – the way to do agent-based science
 
Morning exercises: 1) Sensing and NetLogo variables
 
Afternoon lecture: 1) Software testing
 
Afternoon exercises: 1) Software testing, 2) Agentsets and subsetting
 
Introduction to Project 1
 
 
Wednesday – Classes from 9:30 to 17:30
 
Morning lectures: 1) Stochasticity and random number generation, 2) Adaptive behaviour and objectives
 
Morning exercise: Work on Project 1
 
Afternoon exercise: Completion of Project 1
 
Afternoon lectures: 1) How agent-based modelling and empirical science affect each other, 2) Independent testing of submodels
 
Introduction to Project 2
 
 
Thursday – Classes from 9:30 to 17:30
 
Morning lecture: Pattern-oriented modelling example: the Jamaica coffee farm model
 
Morning exercise: Work on Project 2
 
Afternoon lecture: Analysing and doing science with IBMs- what to do when the model runs
 
Afternoon exercise: Work on Project 2
 
 
Friday – Classes from 9:30 to 17:30
 
Morning exercise: Work on Project 2
 
Afternoon exercise: Project 2 presentations and feedback
 
Closing discussion: NetLogo gadgets; large models (BEEHAVE example); how to keep your momentum up; instructor support; course feedback
 

Cancellation Policy:

> 30  days before the start date = 30% cancellation fee

< 30 days before the start date= No Refund.

Physalia-courses cannot be held responsible for any travel fees, accommodation or other expenses incurred to you as a result of the cancellation.