Brock University
Department of Computer Science

Fall 2008 Instructor: Vlad Wojcik Lecture times: Mondays, 12:30 PM - 2 PM, room WH209, Fridays 3:30 PM - 5 PM, room WH209
Assignments:

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

To give students a considerable insight into the discrete-event simulation methodology, being an extension, but not the replacement, of analythical methods of queueing theory. Upon completion of the course the participants will be able to model real-life situations and also to interpret the results of simulation experiments using statistical terms.

OF POSSIBLE (ENTERTAINING) INTEREST:

Have you seen the movie "The Matrix"? Probably. Nice action flick, with many improbable but highy entertaining situations. But: Have you seen the movie "The Thirteenth Floor"? Not likely. This is a better movie based on similar idea, but it did not make the splash in North America. Unlike "The Matrix", the plot of "The Thirteenth Floor" is much more realistic... Watch that move. You will have good time; also, it may make you think. It may put simulation in a new light.

After all, are you familiar with the simulation argument?

TOPICS COVERED:

• Do you understand what does it mean to "understand" something?
• The concept of a model vs. "the real thing": can you tell the difference?
• Classification of modeling and simulation problems: discrete, continuous, Monte Carlo
• Discrete system models and simulation
• Basic discrete-event simulation methodology
• Elements of probability in model building
• Random number generation (generating discrete and continuous random variables)
• Statistical analysis of simulated data (sampling, estimation, inductive inference, queueing theory, time series analysis)
• Design of simulation experiments (variance reduction techniques, statistical verification and validation techniques, optimization procedures, sample size and stopping rules)

TEXTBOOKS:

• Sheldon M. Ross: SIMULATION, 4th ed., Academic Press.

SIMULATION TOOLS:

• Language: SIMSCRIPT II.5 v.3.0
• Environment: Simulation Studio (by C.A.C.I. Inc.) under Windows.

SIMSCRIPT II.5 TOOLS: Blitz Overview

Manuals:

• SIMSCRIPT II.5 Simplified (PDF)
• An Introduction to Simulation Using SIMSCRIPT II.5 (PDF)
• SIMSCRIPT II.5 Programming Language (PDF)
• SIMSCRIPT II.5 User Manual (PDF)
• SIMSCRIPT II.5 Reference Handbook (PDF)

Advanced Reading:

• Building Simulation Models with SIMSCRIPT II.5 (PDF)
• Introduction to Combined Discrete - Continuous Simulation using SIMSCRIPT II.5 (PDF)
• SIMSCRIPT II.5 Graphics User Manual (PDF)
• SIMSCRIPT II.5 Database Connectivity User Manual (PDF)
• Operating System Interface User Manual (PDF)

SELECTED LECTURE NOTES:

• Understanding How We "UNDERSTAND" Things
• Modelling and Simulation
• Simulation Methodology and Terminology

MARKING SCHEME:

• Two assignments @ 15% each
• One mid-term test @ 30%
• Final exam @ 40%
  (you must score 40% here to pass the course).

CAUTION: The Department reserves the right to scan submissions using electronic means, in order to ensure the originality of students' work.

NOTES:

In case a given mark is perceived unjust or unclear by a student, s/he is encouraged to see the instructor to discuss the issue. Depending on the case s/he is able to make, a mark can be modified. The deadline to contact the instructor on these matters is one week after the mark has been issued. Marks not disputed within this period will be considered final.

PENALTIES:

Possible lateness in assignment submission is counted in days, each period of a day ending at 4 PM. The penalty for late submission of assignments is 25% up to three days (or a part of a day). After that period the penalty is 100%.

While honest cooperation between students is considered appropriate, the Department considers plagiarism a serious offense. For clarification on these issues you are directed to the statement of Departmental Policies and Procedures.

Instructor: Vlad Wojcik
Revised: Tuesday, 14 October, 2008 10:28 PM
Copyright © 2008 Brock University