Complexity and Simplicity: Science in the 21st Century

Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

In the course Complexity & Simplicity you will investigate the characteristics of complex systems and what the underlying concepts mean in real-world scenarios. This understanding will then be applied by discussing case studies of complex problems and their potential solutions with your peers. You will be investigating examples of natural systems within the fields of Earth sciences. 

During the practical training you will use models and literature to investigate the functioning of various typical complex systems. The course involves exchange between your peers: you present your own work to each other, so you will learn from each others' approaches.

Besides learning the workings of complex systems, you will also learn to communicate their functioning. This is an invaluable skill for convincing policymakers to implement a more adequate and sustainable solution for a complex problem. Within this course you will practice this by presenting case studies related to the course content.

Study materials

Syllabus

Software

• R and a GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS)

Objectives

• Describe the purpose of modeling techniques for the analysis of complex environmental systems
• Explain the functioning of various models of complex systems and their uses
• Combine conceptual knowledge with insight gained from modeling
• Connect an interdisciplinary set of relevant domains to a real-world problem the student is faced with.
• Explain how complex systems can be modeled
• Modify an existing model about a complex system
• Familiarise yourself with the field of complexity science. I.e. find, summarise and describe cases of typical complex systems.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Presentation/symposium
• Self-study
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
• Laptop seminar

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):

1. Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.

Assessment

There are 4 presentations, and the best 3 grades will be counted for the partial grade of the presentations. 

Inspection of assessed work

Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

Assignments

Assignments are done in small groups. The evaluation of the code is collective, that of the presentation (including how questions are answered) is individual.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

• Lies Jacobs