NS 4011: Science of Complex Systems

The Science of Emergent Properties

Credits: 20

Length: Spanning one semester

Module Synopsis:

Science of Complex Systems: An introduction to Net Logo 4.0.2

Unlike computer programming systems that you may be more familiar with, such as C or C++, net logo neither a procedural or object orientated programming language though it is influenced by both. Net logo is an agent based computer modelling system which allows behavioural characteristics to be assigned to individual elements within complex system simulations. In this way the interaction of these elements drives the simulation forward rather than any overriding logic allowing for accurate and often unpredictable results. This also has the added advantage of more compact procedural code as all elements and the behaviour are in play as soon as the simulation is run, rather than having to create objects as applicable, as is the case with object orientated programs written in C++.

This module will introduce you to the Net Logo library of programs which model a variety of complex systems from a number of different scientific disciplines. You will then work through a series of increasing complicated tasks to gain familiarity with Net Logo programming. The module culminates with an investigation of evolutionarily stable strategies using Net Logo.