Successful approaches for teaching agent‐based simulation

Agent‐based simulation is a relatively new modelling technique that is being widely used by many disciplines to model complex adaptive systems. Few full‐length courses exist on agent‐based modelling, and a standard curriculum has not yet been established. But there is considerable demand to include agent‐based modelling into simulation courses. Modelers often come to agent‐based simulation (ABS) by way of self‐study or attendance at tutorials and short courses. Although there is substantial overlap, there are many aspects of agent‐based modelling that differ from discrete‐event simulation and System Dynamics, including the applicable problem domains, the disciplines and backgrounds of students, and the underpinnings of its computational implementation. These factors make agent‐based modelling difficult to include as an incremental add‐on to existing simulation courses. This paper's contribution is to report on some approaches to teaching ABS that the authors have successfully used in a range of classes and workshops.