Introduction to Complexity

In this course you'll learn about the tools used by scientists to understand complex systems. The topics you'll learn about include dynamics, chaos, fractals, information theory, self-organization, agent-based modeling, and networks. You’ll also get a sense of how these topics fit together to help explain how complexity arises and evolves in nature, society, and technology. There are no prerequisites. You don't need a science or math background to take this introductory course; it simply requires an interest in the field and the willingness to participate in a hands-on approach to the subject.

1. What is Complexity?
2. Dynamics and Chaos
3. Fractals
4. Information, Order, and Randomness
5. Genetic Algorithms
6. Cellular Automata
7. Models of Biological Self-Organization
8. Models of Cooperation in Social Systems
9. Networks
10. Scaling in Biology and Society
11. Wrapping Up; Virtual Field Trip