Dynamic modeling refers to the use of computer programs to simulate the behavior of complex, changing systems. Such systems range from weather forecasting to the environmental impact of a pesticide to the economics of fish harvests. Hannon and Ruth have updated their introduction to modeling that has been welcomed by students in disciplines ranging from biology to chemistry to engineering to economics.

From a review of first edition: "[The authors] demonstrate convincingly that one can learn a lot about building and experimenting with and simulating dynamic models in a number of fields. ... Highly recommended for all studying model building and practical applications of systems theory." - Choice

Inhalt
1 Introduction.- 1 Modeling Dynamic Systems.- 2 Some General Methods for Modeling.- 2 Four-Model Set.- 3 Gradual Development of a Dynamic Model.- 4 Two Independent Variables.- 5 Randomness.- 6 Positive and Negative Feedback.- 7 Derivatives and Lags.- 3 Chemistry Models.- 8 The Law of Mass Action.- 9 Chance-Cleland Model for Enzyme-Substrate Interaction.- 10 The Olsen Oscillator.- 4 Genetics Models.- 11 Mating of Alleles.- 12 Natural Selection and Mutation.- 13 Artificial Worms.- 5 Ecological Models.- 14 Robin Population.- 15 Two-Stage Insect Model.- 16 The Zebra Mussel.- 17 Single Cell Forest.- 18 Predator-Prey Models.- 19 Epidemic Modeling.- 20 Reestablishment of Wolves.- 21 Lyme Disease.- 22 Tragedy of the Commons.- 6 Economic Models.- 23 Introduction to Modeling Economic Processes.- 24 The Competitive Firm.- 25 The Monopolistic Firm.- 26 Competitive Equilibrium.- 27 Substitution.- 28 Time Value.- 29 Opportunity Cost.- 30 Optimal Tree Cutting.- 31 Fisheries Reserve Model.- 32 Dynamic Scarcity.- 33 Market Game.- 34 Pig Cycle.- 7 Engineering Models.- 35 The Assembly Line.- 36 Models of Gravity and Acceleration.- 37 Chaos.- 8 Conclusion.- 38 Beginning a Dialog.- Appendixes.- A1 System Requirements.- A1.1 Macintosh.- A1.2 Windows.- A2 Quick Help Guide.- A2.1 Overview of the STELLA(r) Operating Environment.- A2.2 Drawing an Inflow to a Stock.- A2.3 Drawing an Outflow from a Stock.- A2.4 Replacing a Cloud with a Stock.- A2.5 Bending Flow Pipes.- A2.6 Repositioning Flow Pipes.- A2.7 Reversing Direction of a Flow.- A2.8 Flow Define DialogBuiltins.- A2.9 Moving Variable Names.- A2.10 Drawing Connectors.- A2.11 Defining Graphs and Tables.- A2.12 Dynamite Operations on Graphs and Tables.- References.