Mycelium Growth with NetLogo Web from Coursera

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.

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

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

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By gathering a collection of resources, you will have a valuable repository of information for further exploration and reference.

Browse courses on Mycology

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Search for articles, videos, and websites about mycology.
Organize the resources into categories.
Create a bibliography or reference list.

Review Mycology

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Reviewing the basics of mycology will provide a strong foundation for understanding the role of mycelium in the ecosystem.

Browse courses on Mycology

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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

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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

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Read the book.
Create a summary of the main points.
Write a review of the book.

Four other activities

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Practice creating Logo Programs

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Practice writing simple Logo programs to get started with the basics of the programming language and build your foundation.

Browse courses on Program Flow

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Creating a presentation will help you consolidate your knowledge and prepare you to effectively communicate the importance of mycelium growth to others.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mycologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomimicry Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioinformatician

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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