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CSCS 531 -- Basic Computing Skills for Programming Agent Based Models (ABMs).

Fridays 12-1.30, starting Friday 7 September 2012.
Location: 120 West Hall
Credits: 1.
Rick Riolo
rlriolo umich.edu
http://www.cscs.umich.edu/~rlr/

Note for 2012: There is a good chance this course will focus on teaching Python, with less time spent introducing Java

This class covers the basic computing skills required for implementing agent-based models (ABM) using RepastJ (and other similar ABM packages) in a linux/unix environment. The class is primarily for students who are intending to take CSCS 530, Computer Modeling of Complex Systems, in Winter term, but who have little or no computing programming background. The topics covered include:

• basic linux/unix commands;
• editing using emacs;
• basic programming concepts and constructs, including variables, operators, flow-control, and output;
• basic steps in the programming cycle, i.e., editing the program source file(s), compiling the programming, fixing compiler bugs, running the program, and fixing run-time bugs;
• basic object-oriented programming concepts, including classes and inheritance, messages and methods, creating and destroying objects;
• some basic classes of general usefulness for writing agent-based models, including Lists, Arrays, and random number generators.
• basic use of the IDEs (Eclipse, Eric, and good old Emacs)

The course will meet most Tuesdays. The first (mostly organizational) class will be:

     Friday 7 September 2012
     12 noon  - 1.30pm
     120 West Hall

Grades: The point of this course is to give students a chance to get an introduction, with some help, to programming and working in the linux environment. I am assuming everyone is well-motivated to take this course, and will do the work without a need for me to use carrots and/or sticks. As a result there are two possible grades: A and C. If you come to class, make a good effort at all the homework programs, and ask questions if you are stuck, you will get an A. If you do only a little of the above, you will get a C. (In theory you could get an E, but that would mean doing none of the above...in which case we'd have to wonder why you enrolled in the course!!)

Space is limited, so please send mail to Rick Riolo (rlriolo@umich.edu if you would like to register. If the class is oversubscribed, first preference will go to students planning to enroll in CSCS 530 in Winter term.

Useful links:

• Some misc. useful programming related links (Somewhat dated)
• [Ctools site for class -> tbd]

Past Syllabi:

• Syllabus for Fall 2010

Fall 2009