Course Summary
Learn how to use computer simulations to model and analyze complex systems in various fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and economics.Key Learning Points
- Understand the basics of computer simulations and how they can be used in various fields
- Learn how to write computer codes for simulations using Python programming language
- Gain hands-on experience in creating and analyzing simulations through assignments and projects
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to write computer codes for simulations using Python programming language
- Understanding of various simulation techniques and their applications
- Hands-on experience in creating and analyzing simulations
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of programming concepts
- Familiarity with Python programming language
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
- Assignments
- Projects
Similar Courses
- Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
- Data Science Essentials
- Applied Data Science with Python
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Barbara Oakley
- Andrew Ng
Related Books
Description
Big data and artificial intelligence get most of the press about computational social science, but maybe the most complex aspect of it refers to using computational tools to explore and develop social science theory. This course shows how computer simulations are being used to explore the realm of what is theoretically possible. Computer simulations allow us to study why societies are the way they are, and to dream about the world we would like to live in. This can be as intuitive as playing a video game. Much like the well-known video game SimCity is used to build and manage an artificial city, we use agent-based models to grow and study artificial societies. Without hurting anyone in the real world, computer simulations allow us explore how to make the world a better place. We play hands-on with several practical computer simulation models and explore how we can combine hypothetical models with real world data. Finally, you will program a simple artificial society yourself, bottom-up. This will allow you to feel the complexity that arises when designing social systems, while at the same time experiencing the ease with which our new computational tools allow us to pursue such daunting endeavors.
Outline
- Getting Started and Computer Simulations
- What is this Specialization About?
- Course Introduction
- Theoretical Simulations
- Modeling and Mapping
- Extending Thoughts Computationally (Part 1)
- Extending Thoughts Computationally (Part 2)
- Schelling's Segregation Model (Part 1)
- Schelling's Segregation Model (Part 2)
- Reflecting on Schelling
- Expanding on Schelling (Part 1)
- Expanding on Schelling (Part 2)
- About UCCSS
- A Note From UC Davis
- Agent Based Models (ABM)
- ABM Quiz
- Module 1 Quiz
- Artificial Societies: Sugarscape
- Introduction to Artificial Societies
- Sugarscape
- Sugarscape Components
- Sugarscape 2
- Sugarscape 3: Inequality (Part 1)
- Sugarscape 3: Inequality (Part 2)
- Sugarscape 4: Sex
- Sugarscape 5: Inheritance
- Sugarscape 6: Das Kapital
- Sugarscape 7-10: Pressured to Move
- Sugarscape 11-12: Sugar & Spice
- Life on the Brink
- The Generativist Motto
- Resources
- Module 2 Quiz
- Computer Simulations and Characteristics of ABM
- Computer Simulations Introduction
- CSS for Your Choices
- Code You Can Live By
- Gambling High or Low
- More Risk in Your Life!
- Today's Questions
- Agent-Based Emergence (Part 1)
- Agent-Based Emergence (Part 2)
- Social Bursts
- Intuitive Presentation
- Context Sensitivity
- Probabilistic Humbleness
- Module 3 Quiz
- Model Thinking and Coding Artificial Societies
- Introduction to Some Model Thinking
- Four Model Outcomes (Part 1)
- Four Model Outcomes (Part 2)
- Analytical and Numerical
- All Models Are Wrong
- Occam's Razor
- Science: Pure Creativity
- Agent Based Models Lab Introduction
- First Turtle
- Moving Turtle
- Communicating Turtles
- Social Epidemiology
- Conceptual Model
- Changing People's Health
- Computer Simulations of the Dead
- Welcome to Peer Review Assignments!
- Optional / Voluntary / Complementary
- Module 4 Quiz
Summary of User Reviews
This computer simulations course received high praise from users for its in-depth and hands-on approach. Many users appreciated the practical applications and real-world examples provided throughout the course.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
Practical applications and real-world examplesPros from User Reviews
- In-depth and hands-on approach
- Excellent practical applications
- Real-world examples
- Great for beginners
- Good balance of theory and practice
Cons from User Reviews
- Some technical difficulties with the platform
- Course may be too basic for advanced users
- Lacks depth in some areas
- Not enough emphasis on programming
- Some lectures can be slow-paced
Martin Hilbert
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