Complex Adaptive Systems, 120 hec

Computer simulations, game theory, and statistical methods are used to describe and increase our understanding of complex systems in nature and society, such as gene-regulation networks, the motion of dust particles in turbulent air, or the dynamics of economic markets. But complex systems in nature are also a source of new ideas: genetic algorithms and genetic programming, for example, are based on evolutionary processes in nature.

The construction of artificial life, the designs of autonomous robots and software agents are based on the behaviour of living systems.

Why study a master's programme in complex adaptive systems?

The computer modeling and analytical skills acquired in the programme open a wide range of possibilities on the employment market, in software development and consulting, in research and development, managmenet, and in the financial sector. Despite these opportunities, many students in the past have chosen to continue towards a PhD in a wide spectrum of academic fields. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme in particular has proven to be an asset on the job market.

The contents of the programme is closely connected to the research performed at the Chalmers departments of Environment and Energy, Applied Mechanics, Applied Physics, and at the Department of Physics at Goeteborg University. Already towards the end of the first year the students have the opportunity to specialise in one of the three tracks: Adaptive Systems, Information and Evolution and Stochastic processes in genetics and turbulence, statistical physics.

Subject-matter

The aim of the programme is to provide a broad and thorough introduction to the theory of complex systems and its applications in the world around us. Upon completion of the programme, the students will have acquired the analytical, programming and modeling skills required to work success-fully under supervision on a research topic from one of the three tracks (adaptive systems,
information & evolution, stochastic processes), or to apply their problem-solving skills in a suitable industry project in collaboration with their academic teachers. Last but not least the students will know how to use their skills effectively in new or initially unfamiliar, interdisciplinary environments.

The introductory courses in the first two quarters acquaint the students with the necessary methods and theoretical concepts. These courses are compulsory. They form a “Minor” for students from other MSc programmes who want to read 20ECTS in Complex Adaptive Systems.

Most students continue in the following quarters to read the courses offered within the programme (although they could in principle choose other appropriate courses for instance at Mathematical Sciences or at Computer Sciences).

The students have the opportunity at this point to specialise in one of the three profiles: Robotics, Information & evolution, or Statistical physics of complex systems. During year 1 and 2 the compulsory Complex Systems Seminar is a forum for students and teachers to exchange ideas and to learn about new developments in complex sytems.

Entrance requirements and application

Entrance Requirements: A Bachelors degree or the equivalent, e.q. the equivalence to 180 hec or 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university. The basic credit point require that should be contained within the applicants university education must include a minimum of 90 credit points in a major subject. Engineering, Natural, or Mathematical science background with sufficient knowledge in mathematics is required. Applicants must prove knowledge of English, by one of the following: TOEFL test result of at least 600 points (computerized 250 points, on Internet 100 points) or IELTS test result of at least 6.0, including at least 6.5 for the Writing. This requirement does not apply to students with a Bachelor degree from an English speaking university, or to students having passed English level B at Swedish/Nordic Upper Secondary School.

Selection: Selection is based upon the number of credit points from previous university studies, maximum 225 hec.

Start/term

Autumn 2011, full time (100 %)

Application and admission

There is one intake per year and the semester starts in September. Final application date for the academic year 2011/2012 is 15th of January 2011. Applications from students from the Nordic countries are accepted until 15th of Apr 2011.

Apply here