Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to enable students to understand some of the complexities of interdisciplinary policy problems, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, and to enable them to design and undertake integrated modelling exercises for themselves. A complex systems science perspective will be adopted, introducing Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) as a flexible and powerful tool for exploring solutions to complex real-world problems. The ABM approach will be demonstrated and critically assessed through several interdisciplinary, integrated economy/sustainability models. Additionally, a flexible ABM modelling platform (NetLogo) will be introduced and demonstrated.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are for students to:

1. understand some of the complexities of interdisciplinary policy problems, particularly in the areas of sustainable development
2. comprehend and critically assess the complex systems perspective
3. critically evaluate agent-based models and their outputs
4. develop and analyse an agent-based model of an integrated modelling problem
5. undertake verification, validation, evaluation and assessment of integrated modelling outputs
6. apply integrated modelling approaches to real-world interdisciplinary economic problems.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 60%
Examination (2 hours): 40%

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed ETC1000 before undertaking this unit

Co-requisites

It is recommended that students study ECC2800 Prosperity, poverty and sustainability in a globalised world