ECC3860 - Integrated economic modelling - 2018

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.

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.

Within semester assessment: 60% + Examination: 40%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information