Topics: The discipline of 'Complex Systems' explains how to analyze
complex natural and social phenomena by rational thinking,
including mathematical models. You will learn about the basic
concepts and methods of complex system research. Systems of very
different fields, such as physics, chemistry, biology, economics,
psychology, sociology, etc., have similar architecture. As a result,
diverse phenomena of nature and society can be analyzed and
understood using a standard approach called systems thinking.
Goal: The first goal is to teach WHY complex systems research to
understand the structure, function, and dynamics of complex natural
and social phenomena. The second goal is to give an introductory
overview of how complex system research's fundamental
methods work. Understanding the course does not require high
mathematical skills, but some concepts of dynamical systems and
probability theory will be taught. Not only students of science majors
but also social science students (with some mathematical interest and
skill) are expected to take the class and be able to succeed.