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Danilo Oliveira Vaz

Underneath our feet, spreading across the globe, a magnificent being resides. As a living network, it breaks down compounds from minerals and dead plants and animals in the soil (and pollutants as well), only to distribute these nutrients to other living organisms. Therefore, providing the cyclical nature characteristic of Nature. When conditions are right, some of these organisms will fruit into beautiful mushrooms, some of which are incredibly nutritious and with miraculous medicinal properties. The organism described is the Mycelium, or the vegetative part of a fungus organism.

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Underneath our feet, spreading across the globe, a magnificent being resides. As a living network, it breaks down compounds from minerals and dead plants and animals in the soil (and pollutants as well), only to distribute these nutrients to other living organisms. Therefore, providing the cyclical nature characteristic of Nature. When conditions are right, some of these organisms will fruit into beautiful mushrooms, some of which are incredibly nutritious and with miraculous medicinal properties. The organism described is the Mycelium, or the vegetative part of a fungus organism.

In this project we will create an agent based model that simulates possible mechanisms through which fungi mycelium grows, as observed through microscopic lenses. For that we will be working with NetLogo Web, a very powerful online modeling environment. Learns will be introduced to this environment, as well as the basics of the Logo programming language.

Note: This project works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Mycelium Growth with NetLogo Web
According to world renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, terrestrial organisms have evolved to be interconnected with the mycelial web of life, and we are its descendants (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpCERNXtvMA). Therefore, studying and learning about these beings is analogue to striving for self-knowledge. With that as a background, this project will take you on a modeling biomimicry journey: we will build an agent based model that mimics the growth patterns of fungi mycelium using NetLogo Web, a powerful online modeling environment which not only allows for the creation of a wide range of models, but also to easy sharing via html.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the fascinating world of fungi mycelium and its role in the ecosystem
Emphasizes the significance of mycelial networks in supporting terrestrial organisms and their connection to self-knowledge
Utilizes NetLogo Web, a powerful online modeling environment, allowing learners to build interactive simulations
Guided by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, a leading figure in the field
Suitable for learners interested in biomimicry and the study of fungi
May be less accessible to learners without a basic understanding of biology or modeling concepts

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Reviews summary

Challenging netlogo web project course

Learners say this NetLogo Web project course is challenging, but they find it practical and engaging. Some students appreciate the botanical concepts covered, but others find the instructor difficult to follow.
Students find botanical concepts interesting.
"The course consists of interesting botanical concepts."
Students appreciate practical application of NetLogo Web.
"I expected more content to study, although it was very practical."
"I learned a little bit about mycelium and NetLogo Web."
"I think it is a good introductory course."
Students find this project challenging, but rewarding.
"The course consists of a rather complicated project."
"I recommend the project but it was not easy."
"But then, it looks like NetLogo isn't easy."
Some students find the instructor difficult to follow.
"The instructor was difficult to follow."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mycelium Growth with NetLogo Web with these activities:
Create a Collection of Mycology Resources
By gathering a collection of resources, you will have a valuable repository of information for further exploration and reference.
Browse courses on Mycology
Show steps
  • Search for articles, videos, and websites about mycology.
  • Organize the resources into categories.
  • Create a bibliography or reference list.
Review Mycology
Reviewing the basics of mycology will provide a strong foundation for understanding the role of mycelium in the ecosystem.
Browse courses on Mycology
Show steps
  • Read articles and watch videos about mycology.
  • Take a short online course on mycology.
  • Join a mycology club or attend a workshop.
Review Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the role of mycelium in the ecosystem and its potential applications, which will enhance your understanding of the topic covered in the course.
View Mycelium Running on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Create a summary of the main points.
  • Write a review of the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice creating Logo Programs
Practice writing simple Logo programs to get started with the basics of the programming language and build your foundation.
Browse courses on Program Flow
Show steps
  • Start with the official Logo documentation.
  • Review examples of simple Logo programs.
  • Create a Logo program that draws a simple shape.
  • Create variables and use them in your Logo programs.
  • Use control flow to alter the flow of your Logo programs.
Follow NetLogo Web Tutorials
Following these tutorials will get you comfortable with the NetLogo Web environment and its features, and help you get started with agent-based modeling in NetLogo.
Show steps
  • Go through the NetLogo Web tutorial.
  • Create a simple agent-based model in NetLogo Web.
  • Use the NetLogo Web documentation to learn more about specific features.
  • Experiment with different NetLogo Web models and simulations.
  • Share your NetLogo Web models with others.
Create a NetLogo Web Model of Mycelium Growth
This project will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course to create a working model of mycelium growth, helping you solidify your understanding and gain practical experience in agent-based modeling.
Show steps
  • Design the model.
  • Collect data on mycelium growth.
  • Implement the model in NetLogo Web.
  • Test and validate the model.
  • Present the model.
Create a Presentation on Mycelium Growth
Creating a presentation will help you consolidate your knowledge and prepare you to effectively communicate the importance of mycelium growth to others.
Show steps
  • Gather information on mycelium growth.
  • Organize your information into a logical flow.
  • Create visual aids to support your presentation.
  • Practice your presentation.
  • Deliver your presentation to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Mycelium Growth with NetLogo Web will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mycologist
Mycologists study the biology, ecology, and cultivation of fungi, which are essential decomposers in ecosystems and have a wide range of applications in biotechnology, agriculture, and food production. This course provides a foundation in the growth patterns and behavior of fungi, which can be applied to research and practical applications in mycology. The course's focus on using NetLogo Web, a powerful modeling environment, can also help mycologists develop skills in data analysis and simulation.
Biomimicry Scientist
Biomimicry Scientists apply the principles of nature to solve human problems. This course introduces the growth patterns of fungi, which can inspire new designs and technologies in various fields. The course's focus on using NetLogo Web provides hands-on experience in modeling and simulating biological systems, which can be valuable for biomimicry scientists.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. Fungi play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and decomposition processes. This course provides insights into the growth and behavior of fungi, which can be applied to understanding and addressing environmental issues related to soil health, pollution remediation, and climate change.
Computational Biologist
Computational Biologists use computational methods to study biological systems. This course introduces NetLogo Web, a powerful modeling environment, and provides experience in simulating the growth of fungi. These skills can be applied to developing models of other biological systems, helping computational biologists gain a deeper understanding of complex biological processes.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data analysis and modeling to extract insights from data. This course provides experience in using NetLogo Web, a modeling environment, to simulate the growth of fungi. This experience can provide data scientists with a strong foundation in modeling and simulation techniques, which can be applied to a wide range of data science applications.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course introduces NetLogo Web, a modeling environment, and provides experience in simulating the growth of fungi. These skills can be applied to software development projects that involve modeling and simulation, such as game development, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Bioinformatician
Bioinformaticians use computational methods to analyze and interpret biological data. This course provides experience in using NetLogo Web, a modeling environment, to simulate the growth of fungi. These skills can be applied to bioinformatics projects that involve modeling and simulation of biological systems, such as gene expression analysis and protein folding.
Educator
Educators teach and inspire students in various subjects. This course provides a foundation in the growth patterns and behavior of fungi, which can be incorporated into science curricula. The course's focus on using NetLogo Web, a modeling environment, can also help educators develop skills in teaching computational thinking and modeling.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation and instructions for technical products and systems. This course provides a foundation in the growth patterns and behavior of fungi, which can be useful for writing documentation on biotechnology products or applications that involve fungi.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the public. This course provides a foundation in the growth patterns and behavior of fungi, which can be useful for writing articles or books on mycology or related scientific topics.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and oversee projects. This course provides experience in using NetLogo Web, a modeling environment, to simulate the growth of fungi. These skills can be applied to project management tasks that involve modeling and simulation, such as resource allocation and scheduling.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify and solve problems. This course provides a foundation in the growth patterns and behavior of fungi, which can be useful for analyzing business processes that involve biotechnology or environmental issues related to fungi.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software and systems to ensure they meet quality standards. This course provides experience in using NetLogo Web, a modeling environment, to simulate the growth of fungi. These skills can be applied to testing and evaluating software or systems that involve modeling and simulation.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support and assistance to customers. This course provides a foundation in the growth patterns and behavior of fungi, which can be useful for answering customer questions about biotechnology products or applications that involve fungi.
Sales Representative
Sales Representatives sell products and services to customers. This course provides a foundation in the growth patterns and behavior of fungi, which can be useful for selling biotechnology products or services that involve fungi.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mycelium Growth with NetLogo Web.
Comprehensive guide to the world of mushrooms, including their biology, ecology, and potential uses. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about mycelium and its applications.
Explores the fascinating world of fungi, revealing their hidden lives and their profound impact on our planet. It beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about these amazing organisms.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of fungal biology, covering topics such as fungal evolution, ecology, and genetics. It is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of mushrooms. It covers topics such as the evolution of mushrooms, their ecology, and their role in the ecosystem.
Provides detailed instructions on how to grow mushrooms at home. It covers topics such as choosing the right mushroom species, preparing the substrate, and harvesting the mushrooms.
Collection of essays that explore the fascinating world of fungi. It covers topics such as the history of mushroom use, the role of fungi in the ecosystem, and the potential of fungi to solve some of the world's most pressing problems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the process of cultivating mushrooms. It covers topics such as choosing the right mushroom species, preparing the substrate, and harvesting the mushrooms.
This field guide provides detailed descriptions and photographs of over 1,000 species of mushrooms found in Northeastern North America. It valuable resource for mushroom hunters and anyone interested in learning more about the fungi of this region.

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