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Principles of Modeling and Simulation in Teaching and Research¹

Animal and Dairy Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens 30602

ABSTRACT

A well defined mathematical model allows manipulation, condensation, interpretation, and utilization of quantitative information about complex problems. Modeling and simulation can provide a valuable adjunct to traditional research and teaching methods. Modeling aids the researcher and teacher by: (1) organizing information and crystallizing his thinking; (2) identifying new research and teaching areas and techniques; and (3) testing research and hypotheses. In addition to the attributes of modeling, simulation can aid the researcher and teacher by (1) quantifying experimental benefits and (2) predicting outcomes under new conditions, and assisting in deriving important experimental estimates of parameters. Although modeling and simulation are a combination of art and science, there are guidelines which can be used by the teacher or researcher to develop and utilize models: (1) define the problem and modeling goals, (2) observe and analyze the real system, (3) block diagram and synthesize the model, (4) mathematically formulate and implement the model, (5) process relevant data for variable and parameter estimates, (6) verify and validate the model, (7) improve the model, (8) accept it, (9) simulate results using the model, and (10) evaluate the simulation results. For adequate use of this research and teaching tool, its limitations and difficulties must be understood. Modeling and simulation require extensive communication between the modeler and his audience. Both the model and the data for its implementation must be reproduced in such a way that other researchers and teachers can duplicate the results and build upon its base. Finally, modelers should retain a healthy skepticism of models, especially their own, to ensure that they are evaluated adequately and used correctly.

¹ An invited paper at the 71st Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association, June 20 to 23, 1976, Raleigh, NC.