February to August 2007 (web course - distance learning)
26 January 2007: half-day optional introduction course

Professor Dr. Alexey Voinov, University of Vermont, U.S.A.

Dr. François Gillet, EPF Lausanne, Switzerland

• Basic concepts of systems thinking and dynamic modelling.
• Basic modelling skills using STELLA. Overview of other modeling packages (Berkeley Madonna, Simile, SME).
• The modelling process: conceptual modelling, qualitative and quantitative formalization, calibration, simulations, analysis, validation, uncertainty.
• Examples from biological and environmental sciences.

Part 1 of the course is a distance learning course with online exercises and can be followed independantly of part 2.

Part 1 is a prerequisite to follow part 2, in which all participants will be expected to produce a working model, preferably related to their research topic.

A one-day introduction course (optional) will be organized at the University of Neuchâtel on 26 January 2007 (9.00-10.00) to help beginners in their first steps with STELLA.

All registered participants are invited to start working on the web component at their own pace.

To start the course, please go to http://www.likbez.com/AV/Simmod.html and register for the course. You will be asked to choose a user name and a password.
Please start your username with "unine_" and then your individual name. Example: unine_TESTNAME.
This should help us keep track of the students from this particular program.
Once you registered you will be taken to the course map page, where the course modules and other parts are displayed. At the top there is the HELP button, which you can click to get more familiar with the course structure and instructor's expectations.

Dates: between February and 30 August 2007; 26 January 2007 9.00-12.00 (optional introduction course)

Schedule: free-duration (you work at your own pace)

Location:  distance learning (web course). Optional 1-day introduction: University of Neuchâtel

Credit points: 2.0 to 3.0 depending on number of completed exercices (category research tools)

Evaluation: completed online exercises

Information:  please contact Prof. Alexey Voinov or Dr. François Gillet

This course is opened to all Ph.D. student, however priority is given to NCCR Plants and their Environment Graduate School participants and NCCR Plant Survival Ph.D. students. Postdocs and diploma students are welcome depending on availability.

Maximum number of participants: 20.

Registration through the web only: closed

Deadline: 9 February 2007