TUTORIAL ON AGENT-BASED MODELING AND SIMULATION: ABM DESIGN FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

Agent-based modeling (ABM) and simulation is an approach to modeling systems comprised of autonomous, interacting agents. Computational advances are making it possible to develop agent-based models in a variety of application areas, including areas where simulation has not been extensively applied. ABM applications range from supply chains, consumer goods markets, and financial markets, to predicting the spread of epidemics and understanding the factors responsible for the fall of ancient civilizations. Progress suggests that ABM could have far-reaching effects on the way that businesses use computer models to support decision-making and how researchers use models as electronic laboratories to identify promising research directions. Some contend that ABM "is a third way of doing science" and could augment traditional discovery methods for creating new knowledge. This brief tutorial introduces agent-based modeling by describing key concepts of ABM and addressing toolkits and methods for developing agent-based models.