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University of California, Davis

Computer Simulations

University of California, Davis via Coursera

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Overview

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Big data and artificial intelligence get most of the press about computational social science, but maybe the most complex aspect of it refers to using computational tools to explore and develop social science theory. This course shows how computer simulations are being used to explore the realm of what is theoretically possible. Computer simulations allow us to study why societies are the way they are, and to dream about the world we would like to live in. This can be as intuitive as playing a video game. Much like the well-known video game SimCity is used to build and manage an artificial city, we use agent-based models to grow and study artificial societies. Without hurting anyone in the real world, computer simulations allow us explore how to make the world a better place. We play hands-on with several practical computer simulation models and explore how we can combine hypothetical models with real world data. Finally, you will program a simple artificial society yourself, bottom-up. This will allow you to feel the complexity that arises when designing social systems, while at the same time experiencing the ease with which our new computational tools allow us to pursue such daunting endeavors.

Syllabus

  • Getting Started and Computer Simulations
    • In this module, you will be able to define theoretical computer simulations, specifically agent-based models (ABM). You will be able to recall how and why agent-based models can be useful and you'll be able to examine Schelling's famous segregation model.
  • Artificial Societies: Sugarscape
    • In this module, you will be able to identify how to mix different models to create new and more complex models. You will be able to explore how to create sophisticated versions of artificial societies. You'll also be able to examine an artificial society called Sugarscape.
  • Computer Simulations and Characteristics of ABM
    • In this module, you will be able to discover how one uses computer simulations to solve practical problems. You will be able to discuss agent-based models (ABM) and identify how ABM can be used in social science.
  • Model Thinking and Coding Artificial Societies
    • In this module, you will be able to describe what agent-based models are. You will be able to identify their capabilities and limitations. You will be able to define and use vocabulary and terminology around model thinking. You'll also be able to code using NetLogo and be able to grow your own artificial society.

Taught by

Martin Hilbert

Tags

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 52 Class Central reviews

4.5 rating at Coursera based on 83 ratings

Start your review of Computer Simulations

  • Anonymous
    I enjoyed Professor Martin's lectures throughout the course. It was easy to understand, funny at times, and I appreciate the pacing of his lectures. There are a lot of times when even if it's self-explanatory but he still tries to explain it in a much simpler manner, and his voice/diction is very clear, which I find it hard sometimes to understand other instructors in other courses because of it. Thank you, Professor and Coursera Team, for making this course accessible for everyone. Amazing Course!
  • Anonymous
    Es uno de los mejores cursos que he hecho en mi vida. Parte de una fundamentación teórica sólida que poco a poco va conectándose con elementos prácticos que puedes empezar a aplicar antes de que acabe el curso. Además, siempre hubo espacio para el humor, algo que amé.
  • Anonymous
    Fantastic, enlightening and engaging course. I especially liked the simulations around artificial societies, as you can easily see how this could be applied in real life scenarios.
  • Anonymous
    excellent! i like it. a good technique to learn. i like modelling. computer simulations add to my repertoire of my modelling techniques: mathematical models with analytical solutions, mathematical models with numerical solutions; statistical models; and of course, computer simulations.
  • Anonymous
    I found the lectures to be incredibly engaging. I really appreciated that we got hands on experience with computer simulations in net logo. This helped me further understand concepts covered in lecture.
  • Anonymous
    Made modeling less intimidating and very fun! I was trying to read an ABM text book but having a person guide you step by step is much better.
  • Anonymous
    This was the first course that introduced me to Agent-Based modeling. At first, I was intimidated by the complexity of this method; understandably computational models are slowly becoming a norm in university curriculums. Despite of this, this course empowered me to foster functional knowledge and curiosity for computational social methods through concise and clear step-by-step guidance. Notice, computational social modeling MAY seem redundant and very systematic (just like any type of coding), BUT this course really bridge theory-to-practice by providing real-life examples and enough flexibility to get creative.
  • Anonymous
    This course is my favorite Coursera course I have taken so far. Programming my own artificial society was a great way to apply the simulation material learned in the course. I think it is interesting how we can use these societies to study what could possibly happen in our real lives. Building the artificial society is absolutely effective in understanding the effects of disease, resources, and others in today's society. Great course.
  • Anonymous
    I found this course really interesting. I knew a bit of Agent-Based Modelling but I learned the basic notion that helps to comprehend more complex topics. I used this course in the context of an internship on Data-Driven Agent-Based Models. Thus, following this course helped me to begin my internship with good basic principles on the subject.
  • Anonymous
    Excellent Course specially how societies can be artificially impacted. I learned how we used the example of society of Turtles as an example to spread rumor with 1 then 2 then 3 turtles and then the rumor spread to whole society. It's programed this way. This can also represent how the same can be applied to human behavior.
  • Anonymous
    was fun working with Netlogo. The programming construct was easy and mostly left to our imagination as to how we can use it.
    The Course itself was well designed, with just enough complexity and lab work + assignment.
    Love the coach, as before he does a fantastic job.
  • Anonymous
    I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. I never knew computer simulation was considered the third branch of science and agent-based modelling can be so much fun. The course materials here are great for a primer to computer simulations and I strongly recommend anyone who is new and wishes to learn computer simulations to take this course. I have benifited much from it and I hope future students feel the same as I do.
  • Anonymous
    This is one of the most interesting courseware I have taken in recent years, in this course you learn not only the technical skills but also the social background.

    The topics that are handled in the classes are very interesting, so you will not get bored.
  • Anonymous
    Professor Hilbert is fantastic in making a multidisciplinary approach to computational social science which keeps along technical learning with deep debates in social theory and philosophy of social science.
  • Anonymous
    I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It is super hands on, explanations of concepts are extremely clear, lectures are both informative and fun, and exercises help to demystify computational social sciences.
  • Anonymous
    Excellent Course. All concepts are explained. Sir if possible please try to include sentiment analysis using weka and text analysis using LIWC software.
  • Anonymous
    Brilliant multi period experimental analysis from UC Davis and NetLogo. From basics to model of a complex adaptive system
  • Anonymous
    Very easy to understand and fun course! Looking forward to more educational content from University of California!
  • Anonymous
    The course helps me to understand some basic details and groundings of social science simulation and algorithm logic.
  • Profile image for Jesus Maria Godoy Bejarano
    Jesus Maria Godoy Bejarano
    Computer simulation is a fantastic course and fulfiled all my expectations. Netlogo was a great choice for this course. I plan to go deeper into that tool to improve my research and teaching tasks in my university because Netlogo allows me to tests some of the hypothesis that I did not explore yet due its complexity. Netlogo and your reflections empower my skills in research. The course includes some exciting thoughts about some methodological issues in the study in social sciences that one generally miss because they are includes in the landscape. Congratulations on your course design, and I am motived to begin the other courses in the specialisation. I enjoyed it all activities.
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