Description: A complex system is any system featuring a large number of interacting components (agents, processes, etc.) whose aggregate activity is nonlinear (not derivable from the summations of the activity of individual components) and typically exhibits hierarchical self-organization under selective pressures. The networks of interactions that comprise such systems can be studied separately from or together with the multivariate dynamics that define them. In the former case, the focus is the graph structure of networks which is typically pursued in Network Science, whereas dynamical systems theory focuses on the latter. Understanding networked complex systems is key to solving some of the most vexing problems confronting humankind, from discovering how thoughts and behaviors arise from dynamic brain connections, to detecting and preventing the spread of misinformation or unhealthy behaviors across a population. But the study of complex systems requires an understanding of both structure and dynamics which often interact in non-separable multiple levels where information, selection, and collective dynamics operate. Indeed, modeling network interactions among variables operating at multiple scales is an essential capability for effective interventions in complex systems---such as the dynamic web of cellular processes and genetic regulation, the intricate wiring of the brain, patterns of human behavior, as well as the operation of social groups, natural environments, organizations and economies, and science itself. Across all these systems, mapping, analyzing, modeling, and visualizing underlying networks are indispensable steps toward understanding how they work. The sciences of complexity are also necessarily based on interdisciplinary research so that teams of scientists can most effectively approach both the general characteristics of all these systems as well as the specific methodologies required to measure and model them.
Aims: This seminar is designed to present and discuss the history, methodology and impact of complex systems; we cover key literature as well as recent advances in the field.
Students are expected to read and annotate the materials presented, as well as present several of the key readings. Students will also work on a term project or paper. Participation and Discussion: 15%; Lead Discussions: 25%; Term Paper/Project: 60%.
Luis Rocha: Wednesdays 8:30 - 11:00 AM, Online
Last Modified: April 15th , 2021
Maelezo: Mfumo tata ni mfumo wowote unaojumuisha idadi kubwa ya vipengele vinavyoingiliana (wawakilishi, michakato, nk). Utaratibu wa jumla wa shughuli ni nonlinear (si derivable kutoka jumla ya shughuli ya vipengele binafsi) na kawaida inaonyesha hierarchical binafsi shirika chini ya shinikizo kuchagua. Mitandao ya mwingiliano ambayo inajumuisha mifumo kama hiyo inaweza kuchunguzwa kando au pamoja na mienendo ya multivariate ambayo hufafanua. Katika kesi ya kwanza, lengo ni muundo wa grafu ya mitandao ambayo ni kawaida kufuatiliwa katika Sayansi ya Mtandao, wakati nadharia ya mifumo ya nguvu inazingatia mwisho. Kuelewa mifumo tata ya mtandao ni muhimu kwa kutatua baadhi ya matatizo ya kusumbua zaidi yanayokabili wanadamu, kutoka kugundua jinsi mawazo na tabia zinavyoibuka kutoka kwa uhusiano wa ubongo wa nguvu, kugundua na kuzuia kuenea kwa habari zisizo sahihi au tabia zisizo na afya katika idadi ya watu. Lakini utafiti wa mifumo tata inahitaji uelewa wa muundo na nguvu ambayo mara nyingi kuingiliana katika ngazi nyingi zisizoweza kutenganishwa ambapo habari, uteuzi, na nguvu za pamoja kufanya kazi. Kwa kweli, kuunda mifumo ya mwingiliano wa mtandao kati ya vigezo vinavyofanya kazi katika viwango vingi ni uwezo muhimu wa kuingilia kati kwa ufanisi katika mifumo tata - kama vile mtandao wa nguvu wa michakato ya seli na udhibiti wa maumbile, waya tata wa ubongo, mifumo ya tabia ya binadamu, na pia utendaji wa vikundi vya kijamii, mazingira ya asili, mashirika na uchumi. Katika mifumo hii yote, ramani, uchambuzi, modeling, na visualizing mitandao ya msingi ni hatua muhimu kuelekea kuelewa jinsi wanavyofanya kazi. Sayansi ya utata pia lazima inategemea utafiti wa interdisciplinary ili timu za wanasayansi zinaweza kwa ufanisi zaidi kukaribia sifa za jumla za mifumo hii yote, pamoja na mbinu maalum zinazohitajika kupima na kuifanyia mfano. Sema hii imekusudiwa kuelezea na kujadili historia, mbinu na athari za mifumo tata; tunashughulikia fasihi muhimu na maendeleo ya hivi karibuni katika uwanja huu. Wanafunzi wanatarajiwa kusoma na kutoa maelezo juu ya vifaa vilivyowasilishwa, na pia kutoa masomo kadhaa muhimu. Wanafunzi pia watafanya kazi kwenye mradi wa muhula au karatasi. Mkutano wa Mawasiliano na Majadiliano: 15%; Majadiliano ya Kuongoza: 25%; Karatasi ya Muda: 60% "Mwanzoni mwa wiki hii, ""Mimi"" alitoa taarifa ya ""Mimi"" kwa njia ya mtandao, na mwishowe alibadilishwa tarehe 15 Aprili, 2021."