NFYK15018U Topics in complex systems

Volume 2015/2016
Education

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

Content

The topics that will be covered are: Phase transitions, critical phenomena, Monte Carlo simulations, Burgers equation, Models for turbulence information flow and entropy of networks, non-equlibrium statistical mechanics, interfaces, excitable media, agent-beased models in econophysics etc.

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 and self organizing systems.

Knowledge

  • Describe and analyse non-linear systems in terms equations and algorithms.
  • Write computer models of systems with many interacting parts, including Monte-Carlo simulations.
  • Implement agents based models of agent based behaviour, including self-organization of structures as in for example networks.

 

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.

Literature

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.
With some effort the course can also be followed by students from mathematics, economics and computer siences.
lectures and exercises
The course can be followed by students at 4-5'th year and by PhD students. The course is ideal for students who plan to write their thesis within complex systems or biological physics.
Restricted elective for specialisation "Bio- and Medical Physics".

The course will be given every year.

Lectures will also be given by Jan Haerter.

Link to 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