Syllabus

SIOC 216B Applied Complexity Spring 2020 Online Edition

SIOC 216B Applied Complexity is project-based course focusing on applying methods from the study of complex systems to messy, real- world physical, biological or social problems. Projects will encompass choosing a problem, writing a proposal, carrying out research, writing-up and presenting results, and working collaboratively.

Wednesdays 11AM-150PM (tentative)

'Office' Hours (Tentative)
Mondays NOON-200pm P.D.T. (except for week one)
Tuesdays 100-150pm P.D.T.
Tuesdays 230-330pm P.D.T.
Thursdays 800-900pm P.D.T.

The current time in Kumeyaay Territory (so called San Diego) is:

In SIO 216b, students will learn concepts and practical methods for:

–designing and implementing cross disciplinary research studies

–applying complexity to formulating and solving research problems

–crafting a cross disciplinary research proposal
–using complexity to analyze and present research results

–working effectively in diverse research groups

Week 1

Overview, review of SIO 216a, the tools of complexity

Introduction and discussion of candidate problems

Week 2

Complexity as a framework for cross disciplinary research and communication

Effective Group Dynamics
Candidate problem discussion/Choice/Planning

Week 3

Formulating a project and writing a proposal within a complexity framework

Research Plan/Sub-project planning/Proposal writing

Week 4

Using a multi-scale hierarchical framework for model and data analysis design and implementation
**
Sub-projects/research*

Week 5

Practical techniques in agent-based modeling
**
Sub-projects/research*

Week 6

Dynamical analysis of multi-scale complex systems
**
Sub-projects/research*

Week 7

Tests for self-organization and slaving in model results and measurements
**
Sub-projects/research*

Week 8

Using optimization to circumvent treatment of difficult or unknown dynamics
**
Sub-projects/research*

Week 9

Using complexity to analyze and present research results
**
Sub-project research results analysis/interpretation*

Week 10

Integrate sub-projects/final project report*
*Timeline for sub-project research, results analysis and integration will depend on the research plan


**Discussion topics will be arranged and scheduled to complement the research plan



Requirements:graduate standing and SIO 216a Introduction to the Physics of Complex Systems [or equivalent]

Expectations

–Active participation in class meetings and projects

–Progress reports and analysis and comment on topics discussed in class and joint projects in a weekly blog post
–Project proposal

–Sub-project report
–Contribute to final report

–Final presentation on sub-projects

Grading

--class/group project engagement 20%

--weekly status updates and analysis 15%

--proposals 25% (due ~ week 4)

--final reports and presentation 40% (presentations during finals week – final reports due at the end of finals week)