IB Computer Science Revision

Modelling & Simulation

Modelling and simulation of real-world systems.

Modelling & Simulation is a core part of IB Computer Science. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Monte CarloRandom sampling to estimate quantities.
Convergence rateError shrinks as 1/√N for N samples.
Agent-basedMany simple agents with local rules.
EmergenceGlobal pattern arising from local interaction.
Random seedStarting value of pseudo-random generator.
ReproducibilitySame seed reproduces simulation runs.
VerificationDoes the model match its?
ValidationDoes the model match the real world?
SensitivityHow outputs change with input variation.
Climate modelSimulates atmosphere and ocean systems.
Epidemic modelCompartments S, I, R for disease spread.
CalibrationTuning parameters to fit observed data.
ModelSimplified representation of a system.
SimulationExecuting a model over time.

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

What does a WHILE loop do?✗ Always runs forever.   ✓ Repeats while a condition stays true.
Can a variable's value change while a program runs?✗ No, a variable keeps one value throughout.   ✓ Yes — variables can be reassigned; constants stay fixed.

Practise Modelling & Simulation — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie▶ Reveal Race▶ Connections Grid▶ Falling Words▶ Word Web

See all 17 games in the Subjects Arcade →

More IB Computer Science topics

System FundamentalsComputer OrganisationNetworks & WebData Structures & DatabasesObject-Oriented ProgrammingComputational Thinking

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