COMP5320M
Computational Modelling
15 credits

Taught Semester 1 View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
* Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of a model;
* Demonstrate an understanding of the roles that modelling and simulation can play in science and engineering;
* Show an appreciation of the range of simulation techniques available, and of the special issues involved in modelling adaptive systems;
* Justify decisions made when designing a model (e.g., the level of abstraction) and when implementing a model (e.g., the use of discrete or continuous simulation methods);
* Design and implement a simple computational model, and analyse its output with the help of basic statistical techniques.

Syllabus
The module is organised along a continuum of abstraction, starting with simple linear equations, moving through numerical simulation of dynamical systems, and finishing with detailed simulations in which individual entities are explicitly represented. Topics to be covered include: the nature of modelling (modelling as compression, models as "opaque thought experiments"), the link between models and theories, systems amenable to computational modelling (linear vs. non-linear systems in science, complexity and complex system), designing a model (e.g., balancing accuracy and abstraction), implementing a model (e.g., choices such as deterministic vs. stochastic, discrete vs. continuous, aggregated vs. individual-based), analysing the output of a model (the use of statistical and graphical tools), and special issues in modelling adaptive systems (optimisation & search, learning & evolution, game theory & stability).

Teaching methods
Lectures: 16 x 1 hour;
Laboratory sessions: 4 x 1 hour.

Private study
Taught session preparation: 20 hours;
Taught session follow-up: 20 hours;
Self-directed study: 50 hours;
Summative assessment activities: 40 hours.

Progress monitoring
Progress in supervised practicals
Attendance at lectures
Self-assessment exercise
Coursework (40%) to be submitted in the teaching period

Methods of assessment
Departmental assessment: 100% as follows:
Coursework (40%) to be submitted in the teaching period; 60% to be be completed in the assessment period.

Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 07/01/2007

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