Before the advent of quantum mechanics in the early 20th century, most scientists believed that it should be possible to predict the behavior of any object in the universe simply by understanding the behavior of its constituent parts. For instance, if one could write down the equations of motion for every atom in a system, it should be possible to solve those equations (with the aid of a sufficiently large computing device) and make accurate predictions about that system’s future.
Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life
Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life
Instructors: Michael Dennin
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4.3
(148 reviews)
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
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Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 6 modules in this course
In this module we'll introduce the concept of emergence and provide an orientation to how this course will proceed.
What's included
3 videos3 readings
Can a substance be both a solid and a liquid? In this module we’ll take a close look at our first emergent phenomena, complex fluids.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review
Are seemingly random events truly random? In this module, we'll examine ways that deterministic processes can produce the appearance of randomness.
What's included
7 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review
Have you ever wondered why tigers have spots and leopards have spots? This module helps to explain how these and other patterns form in nature.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review
How can we study quantum events from both a reductionist and emergent perspective? This module takes a look at the atomic and quantum level of some everyday phenomena.
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment
One of the most awe inspiring emergent phenomena is how consciousness emerges from complex collections of atoms and molecules. In this module, we’ll take a look at how the various regions of our brain coordinate and interact to produce consciousness.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.7 (23 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Physics and Astronomy
Rice University
The University of Edinburgh
University of Alberta
American Museum of Natural History
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Learner reviews
4.3
148 reviews
- 5 stars
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19.59%
- 3 stars
9.45%
- 2 stars
5.40%
- 1 star
2.70%
Showing 3 of 148
VS
4
Reviewed on May 21, 2019
Good sampler course for those curious about emergent patterns across a variety of fields. Casual and fun, although the focus on peer graded assessments somewhat detract from it.
KS
4
Reviewed on Nov 30, 2020
Good introduction to different facets of emergent phenomena. Maybe a closure talk laying out where we can go from here would've been great as well - for those who are interested in exploring further
RJ
5
Reviewed on Apr 19, 2021
I can read about this. But I'll give it 5 stars because they deliver it nicely.
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