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Danilo Oliveira Vaz

In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will create a model that simulates the interrelated dynamics of three different species populations within an environment: plants, deer, and wolves

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In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will create a model that simulates the interrelated dynamics of three different species populations within an environment: plants, deer, and wolves

By doing so, you’ll be introduced to Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that supports both System Dynamics modeling and Agent Based modeling. This will equip you with everything you need to know in order to build tailor-made models and simulations.

Note: This course 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

Ecosystem model with Insight Maker
By the end of this project, you will create a model that simulates the interrelated dynamics of three different species populations within an environment: plants, deer, and wolves. By doing so, you’ll be introduced to Insight Maker (a free web-based simulation environment), learning everything you need to know in order to build tailor-made Systems Dynamics models and simulations.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops core competency in advanced System Dynamics modeling and simulation, which is standard in industry and academia
Uses Insight Maker, an industry-standard modeling platform for System Dynamics modeling with a free web-based simulation environment
Teaches students the fundamentals of System Dynamics modeling and simulation
Perfect for individuals with a background in modeling and simulation seeking to enhance their skills
May require students to have a basic understanding of system dynamics and simulation concepts
Not suitable for beginners with no prior knowledge of system dynamics modeling and simulation

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Reviews summary

Ecosystem model insight maker

Learners say that Building an Ecosystem Model with Insight Maker is a great course for beginners. It clearly delivers the basics for those unfamiliar with ecosystem modeling. The engaging project uses real-life models to help you get started in system modelling. Students largely enjoyed the course and would gladly take more like it.
Uses real-life models.
"This was a great introduction to ecosystem dynamics modeling on this particular modeling program."
"It helped me a lot. I am going to improve my knowledge in ecosystems, and working with Insight Maker gave me new knowledge and future goals."
"This helps in getting one started in systems modelling."
Great course for beginners.
"It's a very good beginning course!"
"It clearly delivers the basics for students unfamiliar with the subject matter."
"A short project that provided a decent overview of the basics of building systems models and how to use the Insights Maker tool."

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 Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker with these activities:
Review ecosystem modeling concepts
Ecosystem modeling is a core concept in this course. Reviewing these concepts will help you understand the material more easily.
Browse courses on Ecosystem Modeling
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapter on ecosystem modeling.
  • Watch a video lecture on ecosystem modeling.
  • Take a practice quiz on ecosystem modeling concepts.
  • Complete a homework assignment on ecosystem modeling.
Complete Insight Maker tutorials
Insight Maker is the software we will be using in this course. Completing these tutorials will help you become familiar with the software and its capabilities.
Browse courses on Insight Maker
Show steps
  • Go through the Insight Maker user guide.
  • Watch the Insight Maker video tutorials.
  • Complete the Insight Maker practice exercises.
Read the book 'System Dynamics Modeling: A Practical Approach'
This book provides a comprehensive overview of system dynamics modeling. Reading it will help you develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and techniques used in this field.
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
  • Read the book's remaining chapters one at a time.
  • Complete the exercises and assignments at the end of each chapter.
  • Attend the book's online discussion forum.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a study group or discussion forum on ecosystem modeling
Joining a study group or discussion forum on ecosystem modeling will help you connect with other students and learn from their perspectives.
Browse courses on Ecosystem Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a study group or discussion forum on ecosystem modeling.
  • Introduce yourself to the group and share your interests.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
  • Help other students with their questions.
Practice building ecosystem models in Insight Maker
Building ecosystem models in Insight Maker is a key skill for this course. Practicing this skill will help you build better models for your projects.
Browse courses on Ecosystem Modeling
Show steps
  • Create a simple ecosystem model in Insight Maker.
  • Add complexity to your model by adding more species or interactions.
  • Calibrate your model using real-world data.
  • Use your model to make predictions about the future.
Attend a workshop on ecosystem modeling
Attending a workshop on ecosystem modeling will help you learn new techniques and strategies. It will also help you connect with other experts in the field.
Browse courses on Ecosystem Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on ecosystem modeling that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers after the workshop.
Mentor a younger student in ecosystem modeling
Mentoring a younger student in ecosystem modeling will help you solidify your understanding of the topic. It will also help you develop your leadership and communication skills.
Browse courses on Ecosystem Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a younger student who is interested in ecosystem modeling.
  • Set up a regular meeting time to work with the student.
  • Help the student with their homework assignments and projects.
  • Answer the student's questions and provide them with support.
Create a blog post or article on ecosystem modeling
Creating a blog post or article on ecosystem modeling will help you solidify your understanding of the topic. It will also help you develop your communication skills.
Browse courses on Ecosystem Modeling
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog post or article.
  • Research your topic and gather information.
  • Write your blog post or article.
  • Publish your blog post or article.

Career center

Learners who complete Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control and waste management. They use a variety of engineering principles to develop solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly. This course may help Environmental Engineers build a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex environmental systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Environmental Engineers with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of environmental engineering.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economists study the economic aspects of environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. They use economic principles to analyze the costs and benefits of different environmental policies and to develop strategies for sustainable development. This course may help Environmental Economists build a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex economic and environmental systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Environmental Economists with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of environmental economics.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study the biology, behavior, and populations of wild animals. They use a variety of methods to collect data on animal populations, including field surveys, remote sensing, and computer modeling. This course may provide Wildlife Biologists with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex animal populations and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Wildlife Biologists with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of wildlife biology.
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system, including the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface. They use a variety of methods to collect data on the climate system, including field observations, remote sensing, and computer modeling. This course may provide Climate Scientists with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex climate systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Climate Scientists with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of climate science.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts study complex systems, such as businesses, organizations, and computer networks. They use a variety of methods to gather information, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis. This course may provide Systems Analysts with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Systems Analysts with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of systems analysis.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientists conduct research and develop plans to protect and manage natural resources, including plants, animals, and ecosystems. They use a variety of methods to study the dynamics of these systems and develop strategies to conserve them. This course may provide Conservation Scientists with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex environmental systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Conservation Scientists with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of environmental modeling.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. They use a variety of methods to gather information, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis. This course may provide Urban Planners with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex urban systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Urban Planners with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of urban planning.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex problems in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. They use a variety of methods to develop and evaluate solutions, including simulation, optimization, and data analysis. This course may help Operations Research Analysts build a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Operations Research Analysts with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of operations research.
Regional Planner
Regional Planners develop and implement plans for the development of regions, including cities, counties, and states. They use a variety of methods to gather information, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis. This course may provide Regional Planners with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex regional systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Regional Planners with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of regional planning.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise businesses and organizations on sustainability issues. They help companies comply with environmental regulations, reduce their environmental impact, and develop sustainable practices. This course may provide Sustainability Consultants with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, as population dynamics is an important factor in the environment. Sustainability Consultants who take this course will build a strong basis for understanding how complex ecological systems behave, how to model these systems, and how to simulate changes in these systems.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants advise businesses and organizations on environmental issues. They help companies comply with environmental regulations, reduce their environmental impact, and develop sustainable practices. This course may provide Environmental Consultants with a useful foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, as population dynamics is an important factor in the environment. Environmental Consultants who take this course will build a strong basis for understanding how complex ecological systems behave, how to model these systems, and how to simulate changes in these systems.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. They use a variety of methods to gather information, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis. This course may help Policy Analysts build a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex policy issues and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Policy Analysts with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of policy analysis.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement plans to make organizations more sustainable. They work with all levels of an organization to identify and reduce environmental impacts, improve social responsibility, and increase economic sustainability. This course may provide Sustainability Managers with a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex environmental and social systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Sustainability Managers with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of sustainability.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law, which includes a variety of topics, such as pollution control, climate change, and natural resource conservation. They use their legal knowledge to help clients comply with environmental regulations and to protect the environment. This course may help Environmental Lawyers build a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex environmental systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Environmental Lawyers with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of environmental law.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. Some Data Scientists specialize in environmental data. This course may help Data Scientists who specialize in environmental data build a strong foundation in Systems Dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for simulating complex environmental systems and understanding their dynamics. The course will also provide Data Scientists with experience using Insight Maker, a free web-based simulation environment that is widely used in the field of environmental modeling.

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 Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker.
Provides a comprehensive overview of agent-based modeling of complex systems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use these models to study complex systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of system dynamics modeling and simulation techniques. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use these techniques to model complex systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of simulation modeling and analysis techniques. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use these techniques to model complex systems.
Provides a practical guide to developing and using insights in science and engineering. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use insights to solve complex problems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of ecological systems theory and applications. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use ecological systems theory to understand and manage natural systems.
Provides an overview of systems thinking and its applications to social change. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use systems thinking to address complex problems.
Provides an overview of the dynamics of complex systems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how complex systems behave and how they can be modeled.
Provides an introduction to system dynamics modeling and simulation for engineering students. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use these techniques to model complex engineering systems.

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