Agent-based Modeling for Social Sciences

2026/2027

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

3

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Департамент социологии

Статус:

Курс обязательный

Когда читается:

1-й курс, 3 модуль

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Agent-based modeling (ABM) is a simulation method where the mass behavior of different interacting actors determines the dynamics of the system as a whole. Scientists describe the rules of behavior of agents at the individual level, in particular how these agents decide to act and interact under certain conditions, while the general dynamics of the system arises as a result of the local choices interactions. Such models allow to overcome many limitations in management analysis and policy assessment. Where it is impossible to conduct a field experiment introducing certain measures, agent-based modeling is used for a realistic assessment of the consequences, since it is possible to take into account the heterogeneity of decisions and attitudes of individuals, their resistance to change, the evolution of attitudes, capabilities and changes in norms.

Learning Objectives

• Capable of reasonably selecting and using modern information and communication technologies to solve professional problems.
• Able to conduct scientific research in the profile of activity, including in interdisciplinary areas, independently formulate scientific hypotheses and innovative ideas, and verify their reliability
• Capable of searching for and applying advanced information and communication technologies and software for the comprehensive formulation and solution of professional tasks.
• Able to use modern empirical databases ( including foreign ones ) in scientific and project activities, and independently create databases for the implementation of research and practical tasks.
• Able to analyze empirical data (political, economic and sociological research ) using modern qualitative and quantitative methods and using appropriate software.
• Able to develop the design of scientific and applied research, including that carried out by a team, based on modern methodologies of political science and general scientific approaches.
• Able to construct and analyze mathematical models of socio - political systems and processes.
• Able to organize and manage team work, develop a team strategy to achieve the set goal.
• Able to carry out a critical analysis of problem situations based on a systems approach and develop an action strategy.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• GPC-3.SOC Capable of reasonably selecting and using modern information and communication technologies to solve professional problems.
• GPC-2.POL Capable of searching for and applying advanced information and communication technologies and software for the comprehensive formulation and solution of professional tasks.
• GPC-1.SOC Сapable of predicting social phenomena and processes , identifying socially significant problems and developing ways to solve them based on the use of scientific theories , concepts , approaches and social technologies.
• GPC-4.POL Able to conduct scientific research in the profile of activity, including in interdisciplinary areas, independently formulate scientific hypotheses and innovative ideas, and verify their reliability.
• PC-3 Able to use modern empirical databases ( including foreign ones ) in scientific and project activities, and independently create databases for the implementation of research and practical tasks.
• PC-4 Able to analyze empirical data (political, economic and sociological research ) using modern qualitative and quantitative methods and using appropriate software.
• PC-5 Able to construct and analyze mathematical models of socio - political systems and processes.
• PC-6 Able to develop the design of scientific and applied research, including that carried out by a team, based on modern methodologies of political science and general scientific approaches.
• PC-8 Capable of organizing and conducting political science examination of socially significant projects.
• UC-1 Able to carry out a critical analysis of problem situations based on a systems approach and develop an action strategy.
• UC-3 Able to organize and manage team work, develop a team strategy to achieve the set goal.

Course Contents

• Topic 1. Introduction
• Topic 2. Fundamentals of Agent-Based Modeling
• Topic 3. Development of computer models
• Topic 4. Dynamic models
• Topic 5. Limitations of agent-based modeling and how to overcome them
• Topic 6. Conclusion

Assessment Elements

• Class Participation: Activity
  Active involvement in seminars and discussions. Contributes relevant insights and asks questions.
• Final Project: Project
  A comprehensive project combining a presentation (50%) and a written report (50%). Students will present an approximation of agent-based modeling of a self-selected topic and conduct such modeling.
• Final Project Review: Writing a review
  Students write a review of their colleagues' final project. This will assess their ability to critically reflect on the methodology, theoretical validity of the conclusions, and their practical significance.

Interim Assessment

• 2026/2027 3rd module
  0.4 * Final Project: Project + 0.4 * Final Project Review: Writing a review + 0.2 * Class Participation: Activity

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Fisunoğlu, A. (2019). System Dynamics Modeling in International Relations. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy & Peace, 8(2), 231–253. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=poh&AN=137302377
• Forrester, J. W. (1961). Industrial dynamics. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.524769D6
• Klein, D., Marx, J., & Fischbach, K. (2018). Agent-Based Modeling in Social Science, History, and Philosophy. An Introduction. Historical Social Research, 43(1), 7–27. https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.43.2018.1.7-27
• Serova, E. (2013). The Role of Agent Based Modelling in the Design of Management Decision Processes. Electronic Journal of Information Systems Evaluation, 16(1), 73–83. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=bsu&AN=91546676
• Sterman, J. (2012). Business dynamics : systems thinking and modeling for a complex world. Slovenia, Europe: Irwin. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.6D02A33C

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Sterman, J. (2015). Business dynamics. Irwin.

Authors

• DYMOVA POLINA MAKSIMOVNA