NFYK15018U Topics in complex systems

Volume 2016/2017
Education

M.Sc. Physics. Students from mathematics, bio-informatics, economics and computer science are also welcome.

Content

The topics that will be covered are: Percolation, Networks, Phase transitions, critical phenomena, Monte Carlo simulations, interfaces, agent-based models, self organization, scale free phenomena, game theory, econophysics and models of social systems.

Learning Outcome

Skills
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to implement simple quantitative models on a computer. The aim is to learn how to rephrase a complex phenomena into a mathematical equation or computer algorithm. Further the student is expected to gain basic knowledge on contemporary research in complex systems. This include ability to use fundamental concepts from statistical mechanics, non-linear dynamics, time series analysis, agent based models and self organizing systems.

Knowledge
How to describe and analyze non-linear systems in terms equations and algorithms.

Write computer models of systems with many interacting parts, including Monte-Carlo simulations, interfaces, networks, and cellular automata.

Implement agents based models to describe self-organized dynamics of structures, for example within network theory and systems that behave similar across a wide range of scales.

Competences
This course will provide the students with a competent background for further studies within complex system and biophysics, e.g. an M.Sc. project.  The course will provide the students with tools that have application in a range of fields within and beyond physics.

lecture notes

Students would gain by having taken the course on Dynamical Systems and Chaos, as well as by having some knowledge of statistical mechanics and basic knowledge of some programming language.
These requirement are however non-mandatory, and with some effort the course can be followed by other students, in particular students with background in mathematics, bio-informatics, economics or computer sciences.
lectures and exercises
The course can also be followed by PhD students.

The course is ideal for students who plan to write their thesis within complex systems, biological physics or quantitative models of biological systems.

The course will be given every year.

Course home page: http:/​/​www.complex.nbi.dk/​courses/​
  • Category
  • Hours
  • E-Learning
  • 2,5
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Lectures
  • 24
  • Preparation
  • 151
  • Theory exercises
  • 28
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes
Oral exam without preparation time
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

same as ordinary exam

Criteria for exam assesment

see skills