The book uses STELLA software to develop simulation models, thus allowing readers to convert their understanding of a phenomenon to a computer model, and then run it to yield the inevitable dynamic consequences built into the structure. Part I provides an introduction to modeling dynamic systems, while Part II offers general modeling methods. Parts III through VIII then apply these methods to model real-world phenomena from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. A clear, approachable introduction to the modeling process, of interest in any field where real problems can be illuminated by computer simulation.

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 Dialog-Builtins.- A2.9 Moving Variable Names.- A2.10 Drawing Connectors.- A2.11 Defining Graphs and Tables.- A2.12 Dynamite Operations on Graphs and Tables.- References.