DATA 420 - Modeling and Simulation - Spring 2026

Homework #2 — Systems Dynamics Models II: parameter sweeps

Possible experience: +40XP

Due: Friday, Feb. 27, midnight

1. Temperature

Modify the parameter-sweep-version of the furnace simulation we developed in class to show two plots:

  1. the percentage of time the furnace is on as a function of seasonal outdoor temperature fluctuation (where the seasonal fluctuation varies from ± 0° to ± 50°), and
  2. the average indoor temperature as a function of baseline outdoor temperature (where baseline outdoor temperature ranges from 0° to 110°).

2. Aliens vs. Vampires

Create a parameter sweep version of the aliens vs. vampires simulation and plot the percentage of the population that eventually becomes vampires as a function of the initial human population.

3. Bats vs. mice

Create a parameter sweep version of the Lotka-Volterra simulation and plot the maximum size of the mouse population as a function of the encounter frequency. Make the encounter frequency vary throughout a wide range.

Turning it in

For this assignment, send me an email with subject line "DATA/CPSC 420 Homework #2 turnin." It should have a single PDF file as an attachment, in PDF format, with a filename ending in .pdf. This PDF file should have the following contents:

  1. The values of the parameters you held constant for:
    1. both furnace simulations
    2. the aliens vs. vampires simulation
    3. the bats vs. mice simulation
  2. Four well-labeled plots, each showing the results of one of your parameter sweeps:
    1. the furnace simulation (plots 1 and 2)
    2. the aliens vs. vampires simulation
    3. the bats vs. mice simulation
  3. Four well-written (and non-rambly) paragraphs, each describing your takeaway for one of the parameter sweeps:
    1. the furnace simulations (versions 1 and 2)
    2. the aliens vs. vampires simulation
    3. the bats vs. mice simulation
  4. Your Python code for the each of the parameter sweeps (just slap them in the PDF file as plain text):
    1. the furnace simulations
    2. the aliens vs. vampires simulation
    3. the bats vs. mice simulation

Getting help

Come to office hours, or send me email with subject line "DATA/CPSC 420 Homework #2 help!!"