Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling

3 units

This is an advanced (PhD-level) seminar providing an introduction to and hands-on experience with agent-based computational modeling (ABM), a prominent complex systems science methodology. The course will draw on examples of the application of ABM from public health and social policy. Topics will include the background and history of ABM, the multiple roles ABM can play as part of a broader research agenda, core concepts in the design and application of ABM, best practices for using ABM effectively, an introduction to software packages commonly used for ABM work, and the use of ABM as a tool to inform policy and intervention design.