Computational Modelling and Simulation
Postgraduate elective subject, School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, 2022
COMP90083 is a postgraduate elective subject covering topics including Agent-Based Modelling, System Dynamics, Network Analysis, Optimisation, and Simulation techniques. The subject applies these methods to real-world complex systems across multiple domains. It was initially developed by Prof. Nic Geard in 2020.
Role
- Sole Coordinator (S2/2025, 47 students)
- Coordinator and Lecturer of twelve sessions (S2/2023–2024, ~40 students per session)
- Lecturer of twelve sessions (S2/2022, ~50 students per session)
Student evaluation scores (SES)
| Year | Average score | Response rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4.45 / 5.00 | ~20% |
| 2023 | 4.21 / 5.00 | ~20% |
| 2024 | 4.02 / 5.00 | ~20% |
| 2025 | 4.57 / 5.00 | 34% |
Highlights
- Introduced topics of Optimisation and System Dynamics (2022), with new tutorial material developed in 2023
- Gradually phased out demonstrations in R and MATLAB in favour of Python equivalents to reduce cognitive load
- Organised an optional activity in cooperation with the Science Gallery Melbourne to develop students’ systems thinking skills
- Led the systematisation of project feedback with detailed rubrics to improve assessment transparency
- Achieved designation of the subject as a core elective in the MIT (AI) program and non-concurrent subject for M.Eng. (Software) in 2025, raising enrolments from ~37 to 47
- Students consistently praised the variety of content, quality of material, real-world examples, and detailed assessment feedback
Tutors
Tom Harris (2023, 2025), Kyle Warwick (2023), Anh Pham (2024, 2025), Yeung Ye (2024)