Programming through Simulation
Introduction to Programming through Simulation In this course we will introduce computer programming through the exploration and writing of computer simulations with applications to ecological sciences and social sciences. We will use NetLogo as a software/programming tool for developing agent-based simulations. Students will learn basic programming constructs such as variables, conditionals, loops, procedures, and recursion as well as tools for experimenting with computer simulations. No prior experience in programming is expected or required. (not open to students who have taken CSCI 0145 or higher)
I'm not a computer science person, and this course wasn't too difficult for me. It's a lot of trial and error with the homework which can be frustrating but office hours are helpful. The issue is that you're learning a really uncommon programming language so unless you're continuing with CS it's not very useful to apply to other subjects/jobs.
This was probably the worst course I've taken at Middlebury. Prof. Dickerson's lectures were overlong and uninteresting, and neither the syllabus nor standards of evaluation were clear. The material was stale, and the homework assignments were not particularly useful at developing understanding. The grading is not well-explained and seems borderline unfair at times. Would not take again.
This was probably the worst course I've taken at Middlebury. Prof. Dickerson's lectures were overlong and uninteresting, and neither the syllabus nor standards of evaluation were clear. The material was stale, and the homework assignments were not particularly useful at developing understanding. The grading is not well-explained and …Read more
I took this course because I needed to fill a class but it did not even help me towards my major at all. The lectures were long and boring. The homework assignments included very difficult ideas that were not talked about in class and yet were graded very harshly.
I would not recommend taking this course. This not even counts toward CS prerequisite and does not use any major software. I went to TA session yet there are lots of time even TAs were not sure of as they have never used NetLogo. Professor won’t reply to emails either. It was time consuming. Yet I think Professor Dickerson is generous.
Coming from someone who had no previous computer science experience, it was extremely difficult to manage homework and you had to spend long hours doing trial and error and attending many TA or professor office hours. Class is very minimally related to the homework assignments and you end up teaching yourself most of the material
The programming is actually pretty fun but the professor made it much more difficult. Very little instruction, clarity, or assistance available if you have any difficulty. Even the TA's were rarely provided with the necessary tools to help us out.