New England Complex Systems Institute

Dynamics of Complex Systems: Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

0 Overview: The Dynamics of Complex Systems--Examples, Questions, Methods and Concepts

  • 0.1 The Field of Complex Systems
  • 0.2 Examples
  • 0.3 Questions
  • 0.4 Methods
  • 0.5 Concepts: Emergence and Complexity
  • 0.6 For the Instructor

1 Introduction and preliminaries

  • 1.1 Iterative Maps (and Chaos)
  • 1.2 Stochastic Iterative Maps
  • 1.3 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • 1.4 Activated Processes (and Glasses)
  • 1.5 Cellular Automata
  • 1.6 Statistical Fields
  • 1.7 Computer Simulations (Monte Carlo, Simulated Annealing)
  • 1.8 Information
  • 1.9 Computation
  • 1.10 Fractals, Scaling and Renormalization

2 Neural Networks I: Subdivision and Hierarchy

  • 2.1 Neural Networks: Brain and Mind
  • 2.2 Attractor Networks
  • 2.3 Feedforward Networks
  • 2.4 Subdivided Neural Networks
  • 2.5 Analysis and Simulations of Subdivided Networks
  • 2.6 From Subdivision to Hierarchy
  • 2.7 Subdivision as a General Phenomenon

3 Neural Networks II: Models of Mind

  • 3.1 Sleep and Subdivision Training
  • 3.2 Brain Function and Models of Mind

4 Protein Folding I: Size Scaling of Time

  • 4.1 The Protein-Folding Problem
  • 4.2 Introduction to the Models
  • 4.3 Parallel Processing in a Two-Spin Model
  • 4.4 Homogeneous Systems
  • 4.5 Inhomogeneous Systems
  • 4.6 Conclusions

5 Protein Folding II: Kinetic Pathways

  • 5.1 Phase Space Channels as Kinetic Pathways
  • 5.2 Polymer Dynamics: Scaling Theory
  • 5.3 Polymer Dynamics: Simulations
  • 5.4 Polymer Collapse

6 Life I: Evolution--Origin of Complex Organisms

  • 6.1 Living Organisms and Environments
  • 6.2 Evolution Theory and Phenomenology
  • 6.3 Genome, Phenome and Fitness
  • 6.4 Exploration, Optimization and Population Interactions
  • 6.5 Reproduction and Selection by Resources and Predators
  • 6.6 Collective Evolution: Genes, Organisms and Populations
  • 6.7 Conclusions

7 Life II: Developmental Biology--Complex by Design

  • 7.1 Developmental Biology: Programming a Brick
  • 7.2 Differentiation: Patterns in Animal Colors
  • 7.3 Developmental Tool Kit
  • 7.4 Theory, Mathematical Modeling and Biology
  • 7.5 Principles of Self-Organization as Organization by Design
  • 7.6 Pattern Formation and Evolution

8 Human Civilization I: Defining Complexity

  • 8.1 Motivation
  • 8.2 Complexity of Mathematical Models
  • 8.3 Complexity of Physical Systems
  • 8.4 Complexity Estimation

9 Human Civilization II: A Complex(ity) Transition

  • 9.1 Introduction: Complex Systems and Social Policy
  • 9.2 Inside a Complex System
  • 9.3 Is Human Civilization a Complex System?
  • 9.4 Toward a Networked Global Economy
  • 9.5 Consequences of a Transition in Complexity
  • 9.6 Civilization Itself

Additional Readings

Index