New Module Form
Essential Information Required for
Module Manager
ACADEMIC YEAR ___________
Module Detail
Title Systems Modelling and Simulation
(maximum 50 characters)
Description
Simulation is a method for supporting the decision making processes in modern
organisations. This module focuses on agent-based simulation, which is a means for
understanding how the dynamics of biological, social and other complex systems
arise from the characteristics and behaviours of individuals. The module covers the
fundamentals of modelling, and describes strategies for defining the appropriate level
of model complexity and how we can learning and experiment with these models.
(brief description of the content of the module between 75 – 150 words)
*Note Field to indicate taught through Irish/English/Erasmus
Course Instances (s)
ME CS&IT
1SPE, 2SPE, 3SPE, 4SPE 1SPD,
2SPD, 3SPD, 4SPD
Module version number and date approved
xx/xx/2012
*
xx/xx/2012
xx/xx/2012
Date Retired
Module Owner / Lecturer
Module Administrator Details
Dr Jim Duggan
Ms Mary Hardiman, ext 3836
info@it.nuigalway.ie
Please specify main contact person(s) for exam related queries and contact number /email
Module Code
(
Office use only)
Module Type
ECTS
Core= Student must take the module
Optional = Choice for Student
Multiple of 5 ects
5 ects
Optional for
Core for
Course Requirement
(i.e. where a module has to be passed at 40%)
Semester Taught
Semester Examined
Semester 2
Requisite(s)
Semester 2
Co-Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they must
take module Y
Pre-Req
Modules 
The student must have taken and
passed a module in previous year
Excl.Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they
CANNOT take module Y
Module Assessment
Assessment Type
Exam Session
Duration
1st Sitting
Written Paper
Semester 2
2 Hours
Written Paper
Autumn
2 Hours
2nd Sitting
Bonded Modules
(modules which are to be
examined at the same date and
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time)
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PART B
Workload:
ECTS credits represent the student workload for the programme of study, i.e. the total time
the student spends engaged in learning activities. This includes formal teaching, homework,
self-directed study and assessment.
Modules are assigned credits that are whole number multiples of 5.
One credit is equivalent to 20-25 hours of work. An undergraduate year’s work of 60 credits is
equivalent to 1200 to 1500 hours or 40 to 50 hours of work per week for two 15 week
semesters (12 weeks of teaching, 3 weeks study and formal examinations).
Module Schedule
No. of Lectures Hours 24
No. of Tutorials Hours 12
No. of Labs Hours
Recommended No. of self study
hours 80
Other educational activities(Describe)
and hours allocated
Lecture Duration
Tutorial Duration
Lab Duration
Placement(s) hours
1 hour
1 hour
*Total range of hours to be automatically totalled (min amount to be hit)
Module Learning Outcomes
(CAN BE EXPANDED)
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
1Define the goal of Simulation and its role in the decision making process for modern
organisations
2Distinguish between the two main simulation methods: aggregate and individual
3Demonstrate how to apply the agent-based simulation approach to practical
problems such as evacuation planning, supply chain design, and epidemiology.
4Explain and apply algorithms for social network analysis, including small world
networks, scale free networks and random networks
5Given a simulation problem addressed, select, apply and evaluate appropriate
algorithms, and interpret the results
6Discuss methodological issues in simulation.
7
8
Module Learning, Coursework and Assessment
Learning Outcomes at module level should be capable of being assessed. Please indicate assessment methods and the outcomes they will assess
Assessment type,
eg. End of year exam, group project
Written Paper
Continuous Assessment
Outcomes
assessed
% weighting
1,2,3,4,5,6
80
4,5
20
Indicative Content (Marketing Description and content)
Agent-based Modelling and NetLogo Basics.The ODD Protocol - Overview, Design
Concepts and Details. From Animations to Science & Testing your model. Key Model
design concepts: emergence, observation, sensing, adaptive behaviour, prediction,
inteaction, scheduling, stochastcity and collectives. Pattern-oriented modelling,
theory development, parameterisation and calibration. Model analysis: sesnitivity,
uncertainty and robustness analysis.
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Module Resources
Suggested Reading Lists
Library
Railsback and Grimm: Agent-Based and IndividualBased Modelling: A Practical Introduction
Journal
Physical (e.g. AV’s)
IT (e.g. software + version)
Admin
FOR COLLEGE USE ONLY
Student Quota
Quota
(where applicable only)
(identify number per module where applicable only)
Module:
Number:
Discipline involved in Teaching
Share of FTE
*(drop down for disciplines within school)
Information Technology
*(% out of 1)
100%
RGAM
NB:
Notes on some fields are for the technical side when considering which
software company to use.
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