Includes bibliographical references and index.

Overview. Module 1.1. Overview of computational science -- Module 1.2. The modeling process. System dynamics problems with rate proportional to amount. Module 2.1. System dynamics tool -- tutorial 1 -- Module 2.2. Unconstrained growth and decay -- Module 2.3. Constrained growth -- Module 2.4. System dynamics tool -- tutorial 2 -- Module 2.5. Drug dosage. Force and motion. Module 3.1. Modeling falling and skydiving -- Module 3.2. Modeling bungee jumping -- Module 3.3. Tick tock -- the pendulum clock -- Module 3.4. Up, up, and away -- rocket motion. System dynamics models with interactions. Module 4.1. Competition -- Module 4.2. Predator-prey models -- Module 4.3. Modeling the spread of SARS -- containing emerging disease -- Module 4.4. Modeling a persistent plague -- malaria -- Module 4.5. Enzyme kinetics -- a model of control. Computational error. Module 5.1. Computational toolbox -- tools of the trade: tutorial 1 -- Module 5.2. Errors. Simulation techniques. Module 6.1. Computational toolbox -- tools of the trade: tutorial 2 -- Module 6.2. Euler's method -- Module 6.3. Runge-Kutta 2 Method -- Module 6.4. Runge-Kutta 4 Method. Additional system dynamics projects. Module 7.1. Radioactive chains -- never the same again -- Module 7.2. Turnover and turmoil -- blood cell populations -- Module 7.3. Deep trouble -- ideal gas laws and scuba diving -- Module 7.4. What goes around comes around -- the carbon cycle -- Module 7.5. A heated debate -- global warming -- Module 7.6. Plotting the future -- how will the garden grow? -- Module 7.7. Cardiovascular system -- a pressure-filled model -- Module 7.8. Electrical circuits -- a complete story -- Module 7.9. Transmission of nerve impulses -- learning from the action potential heroes -- Module 7.10. Feeding the problem -- antibiotic resistance -- Module 7.11. Fueling our cells-carbohydrate metabolism -- Module 7.12. Mercury pollution -- getting on our nerves -- Module 7.13. Managing to eat -- what's the catch? -- Module 7.14. Control issues -- the Operon Model -- Module 7.15. Troubling signals -- colon cancer. Data-driven models. Module 8.1. Computational toolbox -- tools of the trade: tutorial 3 -- Module 8.2. Function tutorial -- Module 8.3. Empirical models. Simulating with randomness. Module 9.1. Computational toolbox -- tools of the trade: tutorial 4 -- Module 9.2. Simulations -- Module 9.3. Random numbers from various distributions -- Module 9.4. Computational toolbox -- tools of the trade: tutorial 5 -- Module 9.5. Random walk. Cellular automaton diffusion simulations. Module 10.1. Computational toolbox -- tools of the trade: tutorial 6 -- Module 10.2. Diffusion -- overcoming differences -- Module 10.3. Spreading of fire -- Module 10.4. Movement of ants -- taking the right steps -- Module 10.5. Biofilms-united they stand, divided they colonize. Agent-based models. Module 11.1. Agent-based tool: tutorial 1 -- Module 11.2. Agents of interaction: steering a dangerous course -- Module 11.3. Agent-based tool: tutorial 2 -- Module 11.4. Introducing the cane toad -- able invader. High-performance computing. Module 12.1. Concurrent processing -- Module 12.2. Parallel algorithms. Matrix models. Module 13.1. Computational toolbox -- tools of the trade: tutorial 7 -- Module 13.2. Matrices for population studies -- linked for life -- Module 13.3. Time after time -age- and stage-structured models -- Module 13.4. Probable cause -- modeling with Markov chains -- Module 13.5. The next flu pandemic -- old enemy, new identity. Additional cellular automata, agent-based and matrix projects. Module 14.1. Polymers-strings of pearls -- Module 14.2. Solidification -- let's make it crystal clear! -- Module 14.3. Foraging-finding a way to eat -- Module 14.4. Pit vipers-hot bodies, dead meat -- Module 14.5. Mushroom fairy rings-growing in circles -- Module 14.6. Spread of disease-sharing bad news -- Module 14.7. HIV -- the enemy within -- Module 14.8. Predator-prey -- "catch me if you can" -- Module 14.9. Clouds -- bringing it all together -- Module 14.10. Fish schooling -- hanging together, not separately -- Module 14.11. Spaced out -- native plants lose to exotic invasives -- Module 14.12. Re-solving the problems with cellular automaton simulations -- Module 14.13. Re-solving the problems with agent-based simulations -- Module 14.14. Computational code-breaking -- deciphering our own mysteries -- Module 14.15. Social networks -- value in being well connected.

Computational science is an exciting new field at the intersection of the sciences, computer science, and mathematics because much scientific investigation now involves computing as well as theory and experiment. This book provides students with a versatile and accessible introduction to the subject.

College of Engineering and Computer Studies