1. CS 346U Exploring Complexity in Science and Technology Instructor: Melanie Mitchell Textbook: M. Mitchell, Complexity: A Guided Tour (Oxford University Press)

2. Note: All slides for a lecture will be available on the class webpage before each lecture: http://web.pdx.edu/~balwit/complexityhttp://web.pdx.edu/~balwit/complexity/

3. What are Complex Systems?

4. Large networks of simple interacting elements, which, following simple rules, produce emergent, collective, complex behavior. What are Complex Systems?

5. Insect colonies video1 video2

6. Brains video

7. Immune system videovideo (+47sec.)

8. Economies Schweitzer et al., Science, 325, 422-425, 2009 http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/325/5939/422

9. Food webs

10. Genetic Regulatory Networks

11. http://www.ibiblio.org/hhalpin/homepage/presentations/de2007/webearth.jpg World-Wide Web

12. Social Networks http://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-engineering/visualizing-friendships/469716398919

13. http://cognitivecities.com/ http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v467/n7318/full/467 912a.html Cities

14. Do these systems have anything in common?

15. Central question for the sciences of complexity How do large networks with — simple components — limited communication among components — no central control — simple rules of operation give rise to complex (“adaptive”, “living”, “intelligent”) behavior, involving — information processing and computation — complex pattern dynamics — evolution and learning?

16. Core disciplines of the science of complexity Dynamics: The study of continually changing structure and behavior of systems Information: The study of representation, symbols, and communication Computation: The study of how systems process information and act on the results Evolution: The study of how systems adapt to constantly changing environments

17. Goals of the Science of Complexity Cross-disciplinary insights into complex systems General theory

18. Methodologies

22. Course Details Course web page: http://web.pdx.edu/~balwit/complexity/ Textbook: Mitchell, Complexity: A Guided Tour My office hours: T, Th 4-5 pm

23. Netlogo We will use Netlogo to illustrate / experiment with complex systems ideas. Part of first assignment is to download Netlogo. http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/ Bring laptop to class if possible.

24. Assignments Weekly homework assignments: reading, writing, Netlogo Term project: –Build simulation or demonstration in NetLogo –Read 2 (or more) published paper related to topic of complexity –Fully document (500 word min.) model in Info Tab –OR –Write term paper on complexity or some other topic discussed. 10-20 pages, double-spaced, including figures and references. Clear topic with instructor before beginning. We will spend time in class learning Netlogo and formulating/working on final projects.

25. Grading Homework: 50% In-class quizzes: 20% Term project and writeup: 30%

26. 26 Class Rules Cell phones off During class, laptops are for taking notes, not for reading mail, chatting, web surfing, etc. Respectful, fair discussion. Listen and respond to your colleagues.