[alife] Fwd: NECSI Complex Systems Summer School

[Carlos Gershenson]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: NECSI Programs <programs at necsi.org>
> Date: April 11, 2008 5:51:44 PM EDT
> To: "Announcements of Complex Systems Activities" <complex-announcements at necsi.org 
> >
> Subject: NECSI Complex Systems Summer School
>
> NECSI SUMMER SCHOOL -- June 16-July 4, 2008
> http://www.necsi.edu/events/summer2008.html
>
> Week One - Complex Physical, Biological and Social Systems
> Week Two - Complex Systems Modeling and Networks
> Week Three - Mathematical Methods for Complex Systems
>
> Each program is the equivalent of a one semester course
> in a one week format. They may be taken independently or
> consecutively. If desired, arrangements for credit at a home
> institution should be made in advance.
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> WEEK ONE
> CX201: Complex Physical, Biological and Social Systems
>
> Dates:  June 16-20, 2008
> Location:  MIT, Cambridge, MA
>
> This course offers an introduction to the essential concepts
> of complex systems and related mathematical methods and
> simulation strategies with application to physical, biological
> and social systems. The course will particularly focus on the
> use of multiscale representations as a unifying approach to
> complex systems concepts, methods and applications.
>
> Concepts to be discussed include: emergence, complexity,
> networks, self-organization, pattern formation, evolution,
> adaptation, fractals, chaos, cooperation, competition,
> attractors, interdependence, scaling, dynamic response,
> information, and function.
>
> Methods to be discussed include: statistical methods, cellular
> automata, agent-based modeling, pattern recognition, system
> representation and informatics.
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> WEEK TWO
> CX202: Complex Systems Modeling and Networks
>
> Dates:  June 23-27, 2008
> Location:  MIT, Cambridge, MA
>
> This course provides an introduction to building models of
> complex systems (physical, biological, social and engineering),
> and network architectures dynamic processes.
>
> It will cover the basic construction and analysis of models
> including identifying what is to be modeled, constructing a
> mathematical representation, analysis tools and implementing
> and simulating the model in a computer simulation. Particular
> attention will be paid to choosing the right level of detail for the
> model, testing its robustness, and discussing which questions a
> given model can or cannot answer.
>
> The study of networks will introduce the use of network
> topologies and the characterization of networks describing
> complex systems, including such concepts as small worlds,
> degree distribution, diameter, clustering coefficient, modules,
> motifs. Different types of network topologies and network
> behaviors that model aspects of real complex systems will be
> described including: modular, sparse, random, scale-free,
> influence, transport, transformation, and structure.
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> WEEK THREE
> CX203: Mathematical Methods for Complex Systems
>
> Dates:  June 30-July 4, 2008
> Location:  MIT, Cambridge, MA
>
> This course provides an introduction to mathematical tools for
> analysis of complex systems.
>
> It will cover the basic construction and analysis of models
> including iterative maps, stochastic processes, markov chains,
> cellular automata, stochastic fields, Monte Carlo simulations,
> information theory, computation theory, scaling, fractals and
> renormalization, linear stability analysis, pattern formation, and
> mean field theory.
>
> This course is designed to provide a foundation for mathematical
> analysis of a variety of models of complex systems, as a
> foundation for advances that are not possible with conventional
> calculus and statistics.
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>
> TARGET AUDIENCE
> These courses are intended for faculty, graduate students,
> post-doctoral fellows and others who would like to gain an
> understanding of the fundamentals of complex systems, and
> develop methodological tools for conducting research in their
> respective fields.
>
> Mathematical background for each of the courses:
>
> Course 1: Mathematical or programming experience is helpful,
> but not necessary for the introductory course (CX201). It is
> designed to leverage existing knowledge (conceptual, real
> world experience, mathematical training) for use in new ways
> to analyze and understand the behavior of complex systems.
>
> Course 2: It would be good to have a moderate mathematical
> background corresponding to a first year college math course
> for week two (CX202).
>
> Course 3: An advanced mathematical background
> corresponding to a junior or senior college level background in
> mathematics or physics is recommended for week three (CX203).
>
> For more information and registration:
> http://www.necsi.edu/events/summer2008.html
>
> -----------------
> complex-announcements at necsi.org
> If you prefer not to receive messages about this and
> future programs please let us know by sending an email
> to complex-announcements-off at necsi.org.
>
> If this does not work send an e-mail to:
> complex at necsi.org
> -----------------
> The New England Complex Systems Institute
> 24 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge MA 02138
> 617-547-4100