This course explores the features of complexity science. Our world is connected by an abundance of complex systems. Across all levels of organizations from physical, biological world to the social world, we may think of the connectivity between individual elements and how they interact and influence each other. For example, how humans transmit pandemics within a group, how cars interact in the traffic system and how networks connect in governmental organizations. Although these systems are diverse and different, they have surprisingly huge features in common.
Introduction to Complexity Science
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(29 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
16 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
1 assignment
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
An overview of what is covered in the first topic: an introduction to complex systems, explaining how complexity science has evolved, how it has been applied in society, and why it is important to gain a basic understanding of complex systems. Like for all sciences, complexity science is not a spectators' sport. After learning models and methods from the lectures, you will need to try some of these out to develop a practical feel for what they mean and what they can do. This is where the Jupyter Notebook exercises come in. In this course week, we will try out two Jupyter Notebook exercises, on: (1) the Nagel-Schreckenberg model of vehicular traffic, and (2) the Game of Life.
What's included
8 videos5 readings2 ungraded labs1 plugin
In this 2nd topic, we look at how robustness, resilience and sustainability can be defined for complex systems, and some case studies that showcase these attributes.
What's included
6 videos1 reading
In this third topic, we move on to looking at regime shifts and tipping points and their applications in forecasting.
What's included
10 videos1 reading
Next, we look at Agent-Based Modeling - what it is, how it works, why it is used and how to use it. We then try a Jupyter Notebook exercise on Schelling’s Segregation Model.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 ungraded lab
Lastly, we look at complex networks and their attributes before looking at different network models. We end this topic with a Jupyter Notebook exercise on epidemics on complex networks.
What's included
10 videos1 reading1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.2 (10 ratings)
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
Stanford University
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
University of London
University of Michigan
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 29
4.6
29 reviews
- 5 stars
79.31%
- 4 stars
6.89%
- 3 stars
10.34%
- 2 stars
3.44%
- 1 star
0%
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
For this course, all you need is an Internet connection and camera, and the time to read, write, and discuss, with your peers.
In addition to dealing with the complex issues in the practical applications, this course helps you to gain strong analytical and problem solving skills and build up complex system way of thinking.
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.