Welcome to COSC/MATH 201: Modeling & Simulation. This course introduces computational science: the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and the natural sciences. We will turn real-world questions into models, implement those models, and use simulation to explore what they can tell us.
WarningCourse site under construction
This site is being prepared for Fall 2026. The syllabus, schedule, assignments, course files, and other details are not yet final and should not be relied upon. Complete course materials will appear closer to the beginning of the semester.
What we will explore
- Modeling: translating a scientific question into a useful abstraction
- Simulation: experimenting with a model to understand its behavior
- Numerical methods: approximating growth, decay, and dynamical systems
- Randomness: Monte Carlo methods and random walks
- Complex systems: cellular automata and agent-based models
Main tools
We will primarily use the R programming language for computational work and AgentCubes for cellular automaton and agent-based modeling. No previous R experience is required.