Your current browser seems to be outdated. This means that some features of the website are not available. Please update your browser.
Attention: some of the selected courses have overlapping schedules.
According to our information you currently have not yet passed a course
Your planning has not been saved yet
Attention! Your planning has courses in the same period with overlapping timeslots
Introduction to Complex Systems (2025/2026: Period 3)
Course aim
at the end of the course the student will master or have acquired (working) knowledge in
- recognizing defining properties of complex systems, such as emergence, self-organization, transitions, resilience, and adaption
- applying basic terms of network theory
- manipulating computer models simulating complex systems and interpret the output data
- explaining how within a complex system the evolution is influenced by spatial patterns
- recognizing defining properties of complex systems, such as emergence, self-organization, transitions, resilience, and adaption
- applying basic terms of network theory
- manipulating computer models simulating complex systems and interpret the output data
- explaining how within a complex system the evolution is influenced by spatial patterns
Course content
Complex Systems is a new and fast developing field of research. Its focus is on systems consisting of many interacting constituents and their collective behaviour. Common examples of such systems are the brain, cities, climate, ecosystems, economy, and traffic. While these systems seem vastly different on first sight they share many features. One of them is emergence, which describes the phenomenon that the sum of all parts does something which is very hard to predict from the the individual behaviour of the constituents. Connected to this one can often observe self-organization in complex systems. This means that structures emerge spontaneously from within without any influence from the outside world. These properties provide the backbone of this course and are recurring themes in a variety of contexts.
The course consists of three pillars chosen to familiarize the student with all properties of complex systems. After a short introductory part the first main part is network theory. Networks come in a variety of forms ranging from very ordered such as crystals to very disordered such as the internet. Networks provide the basis for modelling many complex systems. In a next part you will learn about the complexity of evolution in spatially extended ecosystems. This consists of an introduction to cellular automata and their relevance to simulating biological systems. Using a simple example you will learn how complicated spatial patterns can develop from simple interactions between individuals and how these cells backreact with the evolution of the organism.
Finally, we discuss collaboration. In human (also true for some animals) communities. One can observe a large degree of collaboration, although for every individual, it would be in his or her interest to let the others do the work. We use computer models to study this conflict of interest.
This course uses computer programs coded in Python, although working knowledge in Python is no prerequisite. There will also be mathematical modelling for which VWO Wiskunde A or B is sufficient.
Every one of the three parts will be concluded with an exam and there will also be hand-in exercises. The course concludes with a report written over a small project carried out in a group.
The course is given on Wedenesdays from 13.15-17.00 and Fridays 9.00-10.45 in Minaert 4.16. There is also an exercise session on Fridays from 11.00-12.45. See Osiris for the location.
The course consists of three pillars chosen to familiarize the student with all properties of complex systems. After a short introductory part the first main part is network theory. Networks come in a variety of forms ranging from very ordered such as crystals to very disordered such as the internet. Networks provide the basis for modelling many complex systems. In a next part you will learn about the complexity of evolution in spatially extended ecosystems. This consists of an introduction to cellular automata and their relevance to simulating biological systems. Using a simple example you will learn how complicated spatial patterns can develop from simple interactions between individuals and how these cells backreact with the evolution of the organism.
Finally, we discuss collaboration. In human (also true for some animals) communities. One can observe a large degree of collaboration, although for every individual, it would be in his or her interest to let the others do the work. We use computer models to study this conflict of interest.
This course uses computer programs coded in Python, although working knowledge in Python is no prerequisite. There will also be mathematical modelling for which VWO Wiskunde A or B is sufficient.
Every one of the three parts will be concluded with an exam and there will also be hand-in exercises. The course concludes with a report written over a small project carried out in a group.
The course is given on Wedenesdays from 13.15-17.00 and Fridays 9.00-10.45 in Minaert 4.16. There is also an exercise session on Fridays from 11.00-12.45. See Osiris for the location.
Instructional formats
Lecture
Seminar
Seminar
Examination
Final result
Required | Weight 100% | ECTS 7.5
Entry requirements and preknowledge
Entry Requirements
No data about mandatory entry requirements is available.
Preknowledge
VWO mathematics level A or B. Programming ability is not necessary, but will be useful.
Languages
- English
Course Iterations
Exams
There is no timetable available of the exams
Required Materials
No information available on the required literature
Recommended Materials
No information available on the recommended literature
Coördinator
| prof. dr. ir. H.A. Dijkstra | H.A.Dijkstra@uu.nl |
Lecturers
Enrolment
This course is open for subsidiary students. Do check if additional entry requirements apply.
Enrollment
From Monday 3 November 2025 up to and including Friday 21 November 2025
Late enrollment
From Monday 19 January 2026 up to and including Tuesday 20 January 2026
Enrollment closed
Permanent link to course page
Show in the Course-Catalog
Show in MyTimetable
for a particular course, you can put it in your backpack, so that it is available throughout the CoursePlanner.