Complex System Simulation

Objectives

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the field of Complex Systems (modelling, syntheses and analysis) and get them directly involved in research. As such, less emphasis will be on a "top-down" approach than in standard lecture courses. Students will have an opportunity to decide which topics will shape the direction of the course.

Contents

Topics to be covered (preliminary, may change):

• History of Complex Systems (Turing, von Neumann, Ulam, Conway, Wolfram)
• Introduction to Cellular Automata (1D/2D CA, rule codes,phenomenological studies, behaviour classes)
• CA Models of Fluid Dynamics (Lattice Gas Automata)
• Self-Organized Criticality (Sandpile Model, Forest fire model)
• Complex systems and emergence in Complex Systems
• Complex Networks, Small World Networks

One or two other topics will also be covered depending on the interests of students. This could cover topics including (but not restricted to): CA based Neural Networks, Dynamical Systems, Self-reproducing, Generalized CA models (probabilistic, reversible, quantum, structurally dynamic, etc.), Applications of CA.

Registration at

Registration for courses is mandatory, but will be done by the Education Service Centre for the 1st year MSc students for courses of the first semester. See also http://www.student.uva.nl and choose your master and then 'New procedure 'Registration for courses Faculty of Science'.

Format

Lectures and project.    

Study materials

• [1] Nino Boccara: Modeling Complex Systems ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0387404627/103-6032108-4445446?v=glance&n=283155)
• [2] Mark Newman: Networks: An Introduction ( http://www.amazon.com/Networks-Introduction-Mark-Newman/dp/0199206651)
• [3] Background material: Andrew Ilachinski, Cellular Automata: A Discrete Universe, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., 2001.
• [4] This year the focus will be on Complex Networks. See the book by M.E.J. Newman ' Networks: An Introduction' Oxford Press.

Assessment

Students work in groups (or alone) on a small research project of their choosing in any of the many subfields of Complex Systems. Examination consists of a short interim presentation (10 minutes) and a final presentation (45-60 minutes), as well as a research paper summarizing results.
A small percentage of the final grade will also be set aside for a short collection of questions covering course lectures.
Grading: 10% interim presentation, 40% final presentation, 40% final paper, 10% attendance + assigned questions.

Remarks

More information: http://www.science.uva.nl/~sloot/CSS/