ACADEMIC MINOR IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS

The Center for the Study of Complex Systems is pleased to announce a new undergraduate academic minor in Complex Systems effective Fall 2010. Students who wish to enroll can do so on Wolverine Access.

General Information

Over the past twenty years, the ideas and methodologies that underpin the science of complex systems have gained a foothold in the research agendas of many of the world’s leading universities. This trend can be explained by the resonance of the complexity paradigm and its focus on core concepts of networks, nonlinear interdependence, adaptation, and diversity to current scientific and social challenges and opportunities. These include climate change, epidemics, ecosystem and financial system robustness, genetic engineering, sustainability science, health sciences and ethnic conflict.

Academic research on nonlinear systems, networks, evolutionary and adaptive systems, emergence, and diversity using mathematics, agent based models, and numerical computation increases with each passing day at think tanks, universities, and laboratories. Most leading graduate programs in physical, biological, and social sciences now include courses that fall under the rubric of complexity science. Many of these courses involve agent based modeling and numerical analysis. At the same time, government and private sector demand for students with skills in modeling, understanding of systems level thinking, and deep understandings of the roles of networks and diversity grows.

The Academic Minor in Complex Systems is designed to give students an understanding of the basic concepts of complexity science and to learn how those concepts can be applied within a functional area. It provides an opportunity for concentrators in other departments to take a coherent curriculum in complexity and modeling that complements their major field of study. This minor requires foundational courses in complex systems theory and modeling. Students are encouraged to attend research seminars and workshops hosted by CSCS. This will provide an opportunity for undergraduates to engage intellectually with students and faculty from a range of fields.

Declaration form for LSA Minor

Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites but students who have not taken calculus may find some of the courses difficult. Therefore, previous experience with calculus is strongly recommended.

Program Requirements

Students are required to elect 15 credits (5 courses) including upper-level courses in Complex Systems within one of four areas of focus: (1) Social Sciences, (2) Biological Science, (3) Physical Science and Engineering or (4) Complex Systems Theory and Methods.

LSA Bulletin for Academic Minor

A. Core Courses (Take 2 of 4)

We require students to take at least one of the modeling courses so they develop the skills necessary for the upper-level classes.

• CMPLXSYS 270/Intro to Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)—new course (pending approval)
• CMPLXSYS 291/Poli Sci 391 Intro to Modeling
• CMPLXSYS 501 Basic Readings in Complex Systems
• CMPLXSYS 511 Theory of Complex Systems

Elective Courses
Students must take 2 courses from one section and 1 course from another section. The final course can be from this list or a course not on this list as long as it is approved by the CSCS Director. Additional courses will be added to this list as needed.

Additional cross-cutting courses such as Math 295 Honors Mathematics I can also be taken as an elective and will count for any of the four areas, with approval from the CSCS Director.

Section I: Physical Science & Engineering

Section II: Social Science

Section III: Biological Science

Section IV: Theory & Methods

Advising

The CSCS Director and core faculty will serve as advisors to students. The CSCS Key Administrator, Mita Gibson, will be the initial point of contact. Students who wish to enroll in the minor must first declare their major and then contact the CSCS office.