6th Edition
Introduction to Agent Based-Models Using NetLogo
October 21st-25th, 2019, Barcelona (Spain)
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In Ecology and Socio-Ecological systems many patterns at the population or community level emerge from processes, variability and interactions at the individual scale. Therefore it is increasingly acknowledged that the basic entities in many models should be individuals. This is the aim of individual based modelling (or agent-based modelling).
In this course, we present the principles of agent-based modelling. We will introduce participants to NetLogo**, a development environment and a domain specific computer language for agent-based modelling. In lectures, we explain techniques to develop, analyse, test and document agent-based simulation models. Hands on session will familiarise participants with the concepts: In small groups they will develop, implement and analyse an agent-based model to answer an ecological or socio-ecological question. Questions will be suggested by the instructors and will comprise applied (e.g. sustainable forestry) and theoretical topics. Every group will present their project and their experiences at the end of the course in a short presentation. Our intention is that after the course the participants are able to implement and analyse simple models in NetLogo.
** Wilensky, U. 1999. NetLogo. http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/. Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modelling, Northwestern University. Evanston, IL.
All participants must bring their own personal laptop (Windows, Macintosh, Linux).
Recent version (5.0.2 or later) of the free software NetLogo has to be installed on the participant’s laptop (http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/).
October 21st-25th, 2019
English
35 hours on-site.
This course is equivalent to 2 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) at the Life Science Zurich Graduate School.
The recognition of ECTS by other institutions depends on each university or school.
Places are limited to 14 participants and will be occupied by strict registration order.
Participants who have completed the course will receive a certificate at the end of it.
Daily Program
Monday
In the first lecture, we will give a general overview of model applications in ecology and socio-ecological systems. We will then focus on our main course topic: Process-based, spatially explicit agent-based models. This model type is suitable in the context of many ecological and socio-ecological problems, as it allows incorporation of many sources of natural variability and heterogeneity (e.g. spatial, temporal or individual variability).
In the afternoon session, we will introduce the participants to a development environment and a domain specific computer language for agent-based modelling, NetLogo. We will present basic functionality and example models during the first NetLogo session.
Tuesday
Our main intention is that after the course the participants are able to implement and analyse simple models in NetLogo. Therefore, a substantial amount of time is dedicated to hands-on exercises and project work. Thus, in the morning, we will demonstrate the development and implementation of an ecological model in NetLogo.
In the afternoon, we will introduce participants to the instructive modelling projects they will develop during the course. In essence, we will suggest a selection of ecological and socio-ecological research questions. Participants will select and investigate one of them by developing, implementing and analysing their own agent-based model in NetLogo. The suggested modelling problems will cover fields of population ecology, behavioural ecology and resource management. The modelling projects are chosen specifically to familiarise participants with strategies to develop solutions to typical practical problems in the field of ecological and socio-ecological modelling.
Wednesday
In the morning participants will work on their projects assisted by the course instructors.
In the afternoon lecture, we will discuss the issues of model analysis and testing. In particular, we will address the analysis of complex and stochastic model outcomes. We present techniques of pattern-oriented modelling (sensu Grimm et al. 2004, Science) as a means for multi-dimensional model calibration. Sensitivity analysis will be introduced to identify how simulation results depend on the chosen parameters and their values. Therefore, we will introduce the NetLogo tool BehaviorSpace and present examples from case studies.
Thursday
In the morning participants will finish their model projects assisted by the course instructors.
In the afternoon lecture, we will discuss documentation and communication of models. We will introduce the ODD-protocol (Grimm et al. 2006, Ecol. Model.). ODD is becoming a standard for the description of complex individual-based models; it facilitates model comparison and communication. To practice model description and communication, participants will be given time to write an ODD description for their own model project. In this process, they will make use of the Info tab of NetLogo.
Friday
The last (half) day is reserved for the presentation of the participants’ self-developed projects. Each group will present its project and discuss their experience using NetLogo and the ABM approach. Finally, there will be time for synthesising comments by the instructors and feedback by the participants.
No reading is required prior to the course. However, if participants are keen on preparing themselves we recommend for a general introduction into individual based modelling in ecology:
Furthermore a good introduction to using NetLogo for individual-based Modelling in Ecology is:
And there is lots of information on the NetLogo homepage on additional resources: http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/.
(473.60 € for Ambassador Institutions)
(648 € for Ambassador Institutions)
(823.60 € for Ambassador Institutions)
(998 € for Ambassador Institutions)
You can check the list of Ambassador Institutions. If you want your institution to become a Transmitting Science Ambassador please contact us at communication@transmittingscience.com
Participants will make their own way
The class schedule is approximate; it is possible that the content of one day may run into the next and a working day may be longer than advertised.
The class schedule is approximate; it is possible that the content of one day may run into the next and a working day may be longer than advertised.
If you choose the Accommodation Package you will be hosted at Rural House Can Carol, in shared en-suite rooms, although you will only share rooms with other course participants (male or female only).
If you prefer to stay in a single en-suite room, you can do so with a supplementary charge.
More information
The Accommodation Package includes transportation from the centre of Barcelona city to the venue and back, at the start and end of the course, respectively. The trip takes around 1 hour each way.
If the number of participants exceeds the available rooms at Can Carol, some of them could be accommodated in the Hotel Tall del Conill, by registration order. The hotel is at 10 minutes walking, although transport will be provided in the morning and after dinner. Lunches and dinners will be with the whole group.
Accommodation is included from Sunday (check-in) to Friday (check-out). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also provided during the week, starting from the dinner of Sunday to lunch of Friday (included).
If you do not want the Accommodation Package, accommodation is available in places other than Can Carol: Where to stay near the Venue.
Discounts are not cumulative and apply only on the Course Fee. We offer the possibility of paying in two instalments (contact courses@transmittingscience.com).
5 % Discount
Former participants will have a 5 % discount on the Course Fee.
20 % Discount
20 % discount on the Course Fee is offered for members of some organizations (Ambassador Institutions). If you want to apply to this discount please indicate it in the Registration form (proof will be asked later).
40 % Discount
Unemployed scientists living in Spain, as well as PhD students based in Spain without any grant or scholarship to develop their PhD, could benefit from a 40 % discount on the Course Fee. If you want to ask for this discount, please contact the course coordinator. That would apply for a maximum of 2 places and they will be covered by strict inscription order.
Scholarships
Thanks to the donations of former participants, this year there are scholarships available for PhD students and postdocs. The scholarships are in the form of tuition fee waivers only, they do not cover travelling and lodging.
If you want to apply please fill up this form. Deadline: September 15th, 2019. You should register for the course before applying.