LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning the core concepts of complexity and system science—causal feedback, systems thinking, emergence, self-organization, the edge of chaos, autopoiesis, stigmergy, the structure and function of networks, and computational explanations of natural phenomena. Learning how to identify, analyze, and simulate these for real systems. To have a historical overview of the development of these ideas.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 02.09.2024 - 09.10.2024
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Petter Holme
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
- The history of complexity science and related developments: tektology, cybernetics, general systems theory, systems dynamics, the Austrian school of economics, hierarchy theory, chaos theory, self-organized criticality, complex adaptive systems, artificial life.
- Tools and models: Primarily agent-based models and cellular automata, but also about systems dynamics and network analysis.
- Phenomena and examples: Pattern formation, fractals, critical phenomena, space syntax, traffic models, evolutionary game theory.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Take-home exams. Individual project work.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
Lectures. Take-home exams / assignments. Individual project work.
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
Lecture notes.
H Sayama, Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems. Open SUNY Textbooks, 2015.
https://www.complexity-explorables.org/
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10 Reduced Inequality
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
13 Climate Action
16 Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn I
2025-2026 Autumn I