Teaching Resources for
Agent-Based Computational Economics


Last Updated: 12 February 2024

Site Developed By:
Leigh Tesfatsion
Professor Emerita of Economics
Courtesy Research Professor of
    Electrical & Computer Engineering
Heady Hall 260
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011-1054
https://www2.econ.iastate.edu/tesfatsi/
tesfatsi AT iastate.edu

Agent-Based Computational Economics (ACE) Website

Provided Materials:

Site Disclaimer:
Broken links are the bane of online resource sites. Unfortunately, many links to excellent ACE/ABM/CAS course materials originally posted at this site are now broken and had to be removed. Below are annotated pointers to still-available teaching resources that visitors might find useful and/or of historical interest.

ACE/ABM Teaching Tools

ACE/ABM Demonstration Software:

Annotated pointers to demos that can be used individually or in a classroom setting can be found at the ACE/ABM Demonstration Software Site.

ACE Course (Alan G. Isaac, American University):

Alan G. Isaac (American University) has developed a comprehensive introductory agent-based modeling and simulation course titled Growing Artificial Societies (Econ 450/650). Participants in this course explore, modify, and create virtual worlds whose purpose is to shed light on complex real-world economic phenomena. Graduate/undergraduate students interested in taking this course for credit (or pursuing this course via self-study) should have a basic principles-level understanding of microeconomics. There are no programming prerequisites apart from having a genuine interest in learning to program; the course includes a NetLogo programming component covering all programming skills needed for course purposes.

ACE Undergraduate Course (Tesfatsion, Iowa State University):

Leigh Tesfatsion (Economics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA) has developed an undergraduate course (Econ 308) on Agent-Based Computational Economics. The primary objective of the course is to introduce, motivate, and explore through concrete applications the potential usefulness of ACE for the study of economic processes. Course topics include: introduction to ACE (simple market illustrations); design and conduct of experiments using ACE computational laboratories (hands-on experience); learning and the embodied mind; agent learning representation; the Santa Fe Artificial Stock Market Model; economic networks; economic processes with strong learning/network effects (labor market illustrations); and an ACE real-world application (reliability study of a market design proposed for restructured U.S. wholesale power markets). This course has specifically been designed as a self-study eBook to facilitate long-distance learners. Each topic area includes annotated pointers to key readings, individual researchers, research groups, research area resource sites; interactive computer demos, and software tools.

ACE Graduate Course (Leigh Tesfatsion and Rob Axtell, VII Trento Summer School):

Leigh Tesfatsion and Rob Axtell co-directed the VII Trento Summer School (July 3-21, 2006), an intensive course on Agent-based Computational Economics (ACE) for graduate students and professors interested in teaching ACE themselves. If interested, you can access an updated on-line syllabus of linked materials for the topics covered by Leigh Tesfatsion at this summer school.

ACE Approach to Macro Coordination (Tesfatsion, Iowa State University):

Leigh Tesfatsion (Economics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA) has prepared a module titled Macroeconomic Modeling of Endogenous Coordination for masters-level macroeconomics theory course. The following topics are covered: (1) Coordination issues for macroeconomies;(2) Constructive modeling of endogenous coordination: Agent-based macroeconomics; and (3) Illustrative applications.

Design of Experiments (Houser, GMU):

Course materials on the design and analysis of experiments prepared by Prof. Dan Houser (George Mason University, Fairfax, VA) can be obtained here.

Integrated Economic Modeling and Sustainable Development (Angus/Parris, Monash U, Australia):

The syllabus for a course on Integrated Economic Modeling and Sustainable Development taught from a complexity point of view by Dr. Simon Angus and Dr. Brett Parris (Monash University, Clayton, Australia) can be obtained here.

Learning Creative Learning (Resnick, MIT):

Michael Resnik (MIT) has developed a free online course titled Learning Creative Learning (LCL) for educators, designers, and researchers. The course consists of six weeks of discussions and activities, followed by a few weeks to work on projects, leading to a creative-learning exhibitions. LCL focuses on key aspects of the Media Lab approach to learning: Projects, Peers, Passion, and Play.

MultiAgent Systems (Wooldridge, University of Liverpool, UK)

Michael Wooldridge (Computer Science, University of Liverpool) has developed a multiagent systems teaching resource site to accompany his undergraduate textbook Introduction to MultiAgent Systems (John Wiley, March 2002). The site provides detailed book information, lecture slides, useful links, and various other types of teaching supplements.

Network Theory (Newman, University of Michigan):

Mark Newman (Physics and Complex Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) has prepared a graduate course (Complex Systems 535) titled Network Theory. This course introduces and develops the mathematical theory of networks, particularly social and technological networks. Applications are made to important network-driven phenomena in epidemiology of human infections and computer viruses, the Internet, network resilience, web search engines, and many others.

Repast Self-Study Guide (Tesfatsion, Iowa State University):

Repast (REcursive Porous Agent Simulation Toolkit) is an agent-based simulation toolkit developed by researchers at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory for social science applications. The latest version of Repast supports model development in many different languages and on virtually all modern computing platforms. Leigh Tesfatsion (Economics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA) has prepared a Self-Study Guide for Java-Based Repast for use by newcomers to Repast. Covered topics include: Intro to Agent-Based Modeling (ABM); Intro to Agent-Oriented Programming (AOP); Intro to Java; Getting acquainted with Java-based Repast; Programming with Java-based Repast; and possible application areas. Although some prior programming experience is desirable, the study guide does not presume such experience.

ACE/ABM Program Information

Center for the Study of Complex Systems (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor)

The Center for the Study of Complex Systems (CSCS) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, offers a graduate curriculum leading to a Graduate Certificate in Complex Systems. The CSCS also supports a wide variety of other activities related to complex systems, including: a weekly seminar series; research workshops; an annual symposium; and a workshop in collaboration with the Santa Fe Institute.

Centre for Computational Finance and Economic Agents (University of Essex, UK)

The Centre for Computational Finance and Economic Agents (CCFEA) is an interdisciplinary laboratory-based center located at the University of Essex, UK. CCFEA is a showcase for cutting-edge computational and evolutionary methods to simulate artificially intelligent agents in markets and other complex economic environments. CCFEA offers programmes leading to an MSc in Computational Finance, an MSc in High-Frequency Finance and Trading, an MSc in Financial Software Engineering, a PhD in Computational Finance, and a PhD in Computational Economics. Students pursuing these programmes will receive rigorous training in the principles of quantitative finance and microeconomics along with computational skills.

Complex Systems (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL)

The Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO) offers 1-3 year post-doc fellowship opportunities to young researchers who have interest in the study of complex systems and in interdisciplinary collaborations. Applicants must be self-motivated and goal-oriented individuals who have recently obtained their Ph.D. and who possess outstanding potential. Applicants must be able to successfully communicate ideas to diverse audiences, build on existing strengths, bridge different fields, and be motivated to work with NICO faculty on interdisciplinary complex systems projects.

Complex Systems (New England Complex Systems Institute)

The New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI) offer intensive week-long courses on complex systems science and its applications. The courses consist of lecture and supervised group projects.

Complexity Economics: Trento Summer School (University of Trento, Italy):

The University of Trento, Italy, offers summer schools devoted to a variety of economic topic areas, with a stress on complexity economics and computational economics modeling approaches. For example, Leigh Tesfatsion and Rob Axtell co-directed the VII Trento Summer School (July 3-21, 2006), an intensive course on Agent-based Computational Economics (ACE) for graduate students and professors interested in teaching ACE themselves. If interested, you can access the ACE Summer Course: Schedule of topics covered by regular and guest lecturers as well as an updated on-line syllabus of linked lecture materials covered by Leigh Tesfatsion.

Computable and Experimental Economics (University of Trento, Italy):

The Computable and Experimental Economics Laboratory (CEEL) (Department of Economics, University of Trento, Italy) offers intensive summer courses on selected topics related to computational economics. Past years' topics have included: computable economics; experimental economics; adaptive economic processes; behavioral economics; institutional economics; and evolutionary economic dynamics. The course is targeted at Ph.D. students and postdocs. Participation at the summer school is free of charge for accepted applicants. The deadline for receipt of applications is typically early in March.

Computational Economics and Data Analysis (Rutgers)

Rutgers University offers a Certificate in Economics and Data Analytics, described as follows: "This concentration provides students with a deep background in advanced tools for analysis of economic data, including traditional regression methods commonly used in economics, as well as more computationally intensive methods, such as machine learning. Students completing this certificate will be well-prepared for positions in a wide range of business and government organizations where high through-put analysis of incoming data is valued. The certificate is also an excellent preparation for graduate study in economics or decision sciences, particularly for areas where computational modeling of economic decision making and analysis of data from decision making is the focus."

Computational Intelligence (University of Plymouth, UK):

The Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems at the University of Plymouth (UK) conducts a broad array of research activities related to computational intelligence and multi-agent systems.

Computational Social Sciences (George Mason U, Fairfax, VA):

The Center for Social Complexity at George Mason University (Fairfax, Virginia) offers a PhD Program in Computational Social Science. The core objective of this program is to train graduate students to be professional computational social scientists in academia, government, or business. The program offers students a unique and innovative interdisciplinary environment for systematically exploring, discovering, and developing their skills to successfully follow careers in one of the areas of computational social science.

Economics Group (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL):

The Economics Group in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at Northwestern University studies the interplay between the algorithmic, economic, and social aspects of the Internet and related systems, and develops ways to facilitate users' interactions in these systems. This work draws upon a wide variety of techniques from theoretical and experimental computer science to traditional economic frameworks. By applying these techniques to economic and social systems in place today, we can shed light on interesting phenomena and, ideally, provide guidance for future developments of these systems. This interdisciplinary effort is undertaken jointly with the Managerial Economics and Decision Sciences Department in the Kellogg School of Management, The Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science, and other institutions at Northwestern University and the greater Chicago area.

Graduate Workshop in Computational Social Science Modeling and Complexity (SFI, Santa Fe):

The Graduate Workshop in Computational Social Science and Modeling has been regularly held during the summer at the Santa Fe Institute (SFI) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The workshop brings together small groups of advanced graduate students and faculty for an intensive two-week study of computational social science modeling and complexity. Workshop activities include lectures by regular faculty, guest speaker lectures, and presentations of course projects by students. The primary goal of the workshop is to assist graduate students pursuing research agendas which include a computational modeling component.

Harvard EconCS Group:

The Harvard EconCS group is pursuing research, both theoretical and experimental, at the intersection between computer science and economics. We draw on methodologies from AI, multi-agent systems, computer science theory, microeconomic theory, optimization and distributed systems. We are interested in electronic auctions, mechanisms and markets, peer production and social computing, and in the constructive use of economic methodologies within computational systems. A central challenge is to resolve conflicts between game-theoretic and computational constraints. Current topics of interest include: incentive-based environment design; dynamic mechanisms; the design of mechanism infrastructures and currencies for distributed and peer-to-peer systems; preference elicitation; information aggregation; applications to e-commerce and social computing; cryptographically secure auctions; and network formation games.

Human-Computer Interaction Graduate Program (Iowa State University, Ames):

The ISU Human-Computer Interaction Program focuses on the relationship between humans and increasingly powerful, portable, interconnected and ubiquitous computers is becoming one of the most dynamic and significant fields of technical investigation. The Interdepartmental Graduate Major in Human Computer Interaction is an interdisciplinary training program created to provide advanced training and foster research excellence in Human Computer Interaction at Iowa State University." Both an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. degree in Human Computer Interaction are offered.

Individual/Agent-Based Modeling and Ecology (Humboldt State University, CA):

The Individual/Agent-Based Modeling and Ecology program at Humboldt State University (Arcata, California) stresses research on the use of individual-based models (IBMs) for applied and theoretical ecology. The program is affiliated with the Mathematical Modeling Program, HSU Mathematics Department. This research is a collaboration of mathematicians, ecologists and biologists, environmental engineers, and software professionals.

International Doctoral Program in Economics (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy, and University of Strasbourg, France)

The International Doctoral Program in Economics (IDPE) is jointly offered by Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy and by the University of Strasbourg, France. The IDPE is a three-year program designed for highly qualified and motivated students who wish to acquire the research and analytical skills of the international scientific community in economics. It is designed for students pursuing jobs in academia as well as those who wish to acquire the skills of professional academic research to work in government agencies, financial institutions, international agencies, private companies. Students will be offered one year and a half of intensive course work by an international Faculty composed of both permanent staff of the School and a large group of Visiting Scholars. All teaching is in English. Courses will focus on both standard mainstream economics, as well as more "heterodox" approaches, such as evolutionary economics and agent-based computational economics. Some scholarships are available; see the IDPE website for application information.

Nonlinear Dynamics in Economics and Finance (University of Amsterdam):

The Center for Nonlinear Dynamics in Economics and Finance (CeNDEF) is a multi-disciplinary research institute started in 1998 and located at the Department of Economics and Econometrics at the University of Amsterdam. Research topics addressed by CeNDEF participants include: endogenous fluctuations; bounded rationality; expectation formation and learning, evolutionary dynamics, bifurcations and chaos, nonlinear time series analysis, and nonlinear prediction methods.

Santa Fe Institute Complex Systems Summer School:

The SFI Complex Systems Summer School held annually each June at the Santa Fe Institute (SFI) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, is an intensive introduction to complex behavior in mathematical, physical and living systems for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The first week of the school typically consists of toolkit courses and lectures to acquaint students with some of the theoretical tools they will need for research in complex systems. During each of the second, third, and fourth weeks there are typically lecture courses with lectures in the morning followed by selected seminars in the afternoons. Generally there is also time set aside for students to work on projects and to self-organize into working groups on particular topics.

Social Complexity Studies (University of Groningen):

The Groningen Center for Social Complexity Studies (GCSCS) serves as a platform connecting researchers at or affiliated with the University of Groningen working in the field of social complexity. The aim of the GCSCS is to provide high quality research and education, interacting actively with business, government and the public, and in particular to address the goal of stimulating cross-border research and education. A key focus of GCSCS researchers is how interactions between individual people or animals give rise to group phenomena such as the diffusion of new behaviours, social networks, societial polarisation, crowd behaviours and spatial arrangements.

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