NECSI Winter School
Early Registration Deadline Reminder
WEEK 1
CX201: COMPLEX PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS
January 7 - 11
This course offers an introduction to the essential concepts of
complex systems and related mathematical methods and simulation
strategies with application to physical, biological and social
systems. The course will particularly focus on the use of multiscale
representations as a unifying approach to complex systems
concepts, methods and applications.
Concepts to be discussed include: emergence, complexity,
networks, self-organization, pattern formation, evolution, adaptation,
fractals, chaos, cooperation, competition, attractors,
interdependence, scaling, dynamic response, information, and
function.
Methods to be discussed include: statistical methods, cellular
automata, agent-based modeling, pattern recognition, system
representation and informatics.
http://www.necsi.edu/education
LAB
CX102: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING AND COMPLEX SYSTEMS
January 13
This course introduces computer programming in the Python
language for those with little or no computer programming
experience. It is designed as a precursor to CX202.
The course will present programming concepts and hands-on
exercises. Topics to be covered include: data structures, algorithms,
variables and assignments, numerical and logical operations, lists
and dictionaries, user-defined functions, flow control, loops, and
visualization.
http://www.necsi.edu/education
WEEK 2
CX202: COMPLEX SYSTEMS MODELING AND NETWORKS
January 14 - 18
This course provides (a) an introduction to building models of
complex systems (physical, biological, social and engineered), and
(b) the study of networks, including topologies and dynamics of real
world networks.
The course will cover the basic construction and analysis of models
including identifying what is to be modeled, constructing a
mathematical representation, analysis tools and implementing and
simulating the model in a computer program. Particular attention will
be paid to choosing the right level of detail for the model, testing its
robustness, and discussing which questions a given model can or
cannot answer.
The study of networks will introduce the use of network topologies
and the characterization of networks describing complex systems,
including such concepts as small worlds, degree distribution,
diameter, clustering coefficient, modules, and motifs. Different types
of network topologies and network behaviors that model aspects of
real complex systems will be described including: modular, sparse,
random, scale-free, influence, transport, transformation, and
structure.
NOTE: Students without a background in programming are strongly
recommended to attend CX102: Computer Programming and
Complex Systems in conjunction with CX202.
http://www.necsi.edu/education
Comments from previous students:
"Excellent course...useful thematic overview... applications in
diverse contexts were exciting. Particularly appreciated the group
project - excellent experiential pedagogy."
"The course was an eye-opening framework to analyze my work
through a different lens."
"Presentations were extremely useful for me in understanding how
to begin modeling complex systems and assessing them. Helped
me understand a lot of things I have been doing so far without
clearly understanding the principles."
"This class very much stretched my mind to apply the ideas of
complexity to the world... I believe I learned more on a grander
scale... will help enrich my vocabulary and the way of thinking in the
world with respect to complexity."
"Excellent class. I hope to take a more active role in the community."
"The NECSI 2011 Winter session provided me with a clear
framework for current complex systems research and provided
pathways for potential future research."
"This course contained more insight than any other 'complexity'
themed course that I have taken."
For more information and registration, visit:
http://www.necsi.edu/education
New England Complex Systems Institute
238 Main Street Suite 319
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617-547-4100
Fax: 617-661-7711
