SA585 INTRODUCTION TO AGENT-BASED MODELLING
| Course Code: | 8140585 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (2.00 - 2.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Settlement Archaeology |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. DENİZ BURCU ERCİYAS |
| Offered Semester: | Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide an introduction to agent-based modelling as a methodological tool for archaeological studies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, the course aims to instill a modelling mindset in our students.
Course Content
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the potential of agent-based modelling (ABM) as a primary technique for computational simulations.Simulation is a formal scientific method used to develop, compare and test hypotheses (as expressed in computational models). While the use of simulation has increased dramatically over the last few decades across many scientific disciplines, the approach remains limited in social sciences and humanities such as archaeology, mostly due to the technological barrier involving coding skills. This course will help student become familiar with coding approaches, using the user-friendly ABM software of NetLogo for building, executing and analysing simulations. No prior coding abilities or other technical skills are required, as we will start from the very basics in NetLogo programming. More important than the usage of particular tools, is the aim to create a diligent and creative mindset of model thinking.This requires deep reflection and developing habits of thought,going through phases of trial and error. The course will be aimed in the first place at the students of the M.Sc. in Settlement Archaeology and M.Sc.in Digital Archaeology, but will also be highly relevant for students from other departments, especially those from the humanities and social sciences who have less experience with model-based thinking.
Course Learning Outcomes
After completing the course, students are expected to have gained:
- A model-thinking mindset
- A broader understanding of modelling and simulation approaches in archaeology
- Basic coding skills necessary to work with and build computer simulations of complex social and natural systems
- Skills for developing conceptual models on any topic of interest
- Insight into ancient societies and other potential research interests through the lens of computational modelling
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | To gain expertise in archaeological method and theory and develop ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment, | ✔ | |||
| 2 | To become skillful in accessing and evaluating archaeological data regardless of chronological and geographical boundaries while specializing in a specific period and region, | ✔ | |||
| 3 | To be able to look at the past as a whole grasping the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology and its relationship to other disciplines, | ✔ | |||
| 4 | To be able to express what he/she learned both orally and in writing, | ✔ | |||
| 5 | To have excellent command of both traditional and modern research methods, | ✔ | |||
| 6 | To have the infrastructure to follow up-to-date publications and other research in the area of interest, | ✔ | |||
| 7 | To be aware of professional ethics and to have the ability to adopt them, | ✔ | |||
| 8 | To possess technical skills that are necessary in fieldwork, | ✔ | |||
| 9 | To be aware of social, environmental, and economic impact of his/her professional activities, | ✔ | |||
| 10 | To be able to conduct work in a team and to be able to lead a team when required. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution