After successful completion of the course, students are able to independently perform a typical, simplified modelling and simulation experiment for a given research problem. This goal implies:

• Students understand the principals of modelling and simulation and are able to describe the involved standard-process.
• Students are able to distinguish and classify different modelling methods and are able to name their typical fields of application.
• Students are able to apply the modelling methods explained in the lecture to abstract given real systems and, furthermore, develop and analyse conceptional models.
• Students are able to implement conceptional models in certain simulators and are able to perform simulations with them.

The lecture gives a broad introduction to modeling and simulation studies sketching all steps from formulation of the research question, system-abstraction, conceptional modeling, implementation, until experiment design, experiment execution and result interpretation.

Core part of this lecture is a broad overview over different modelling methods. We will focus on: system dynamics, difference-equations, discrete-event simulation, cellular automata and agent-based modelling. With respect to implementation we will take a close look on the simulator Anylogic. Yet, we will also explain how standard programming languages like MATLAB and Python are used to implement simulation models.

• Partially in-person, partially online Lectures with regular in-person discussion
• Presentation of case studies
• Hands-on programming
• Supervised project work in teams

The preliminary discussion on the VU will take place on Friday, 06.10.2023, 1pm to 2 pm (c.t.) in Lecture Room EI 8. Thereafter, the lecture will always take place on Friday 1pm to 3 pm at the same room.

We expect the following expenditure of time:

  0.5h   Preliminary
18.5h   VU units (11 x 1.5h, 2 x 1.0h)
  0.5h   Project release
35.0h   Project work including meetings with your supervisor
15.0h   Preparation test
  1.0h   Test
  3.0h   Preparation for project presentation
  1.5h   Project presentation
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75.0h  = 3 ECTS

Apart from units related with the project work and test, there is no compulsory attendance in the lecture. Yet, we ask you to comply with the LVA registration period.

The lecture will be administered in TUWEL.

Grades are given according to the student's performance in three criteria (a-c):

• a lecture test (a), to assess theoretical knowledge, and
• a supervised project work in teams and (b) final presentation and (c) documentation of the work, to assess practical knowledge.

A basic university-level mathematics training is recommended.