The first course of the specialization ANALYZING COMPLEXITY will teach you what unifying patterns lie at the core of all complex problems. It advances your knowledge of your own field by teaching you to look at it in new ways.
ANALYZING COMPLEXITY is constructed in the following way: Week I. "What is Complexity?" - What is at the core of all complex problems Week II. "Complex Physical Systems" - What complex problems all have in common in the inanimate world Week III. "Complex Adaptive Systems" - What complex problems all have in common in nature Week IV. "Complex Cultural Systems" - What complex problems all have in common in human society Week V. "Complexity, Fragility, and Breakdown" - Why complex problems arise Week VI. "Complexity in the Anthropocene" - What complex problems face us today
This course is part of the Solving Complex Problems Specialization
Analysing Complexity
Offered By
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1What is complexity?
Welcome to the first course of our specialisation on solving complex problems! In this module, we will be looking at complexity in the broadest sense and how it relates to us. From there we will zoom in to different aspects of this universal and all-encompassing concept.
5 videos (Total 32 min), 8 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Defining Complexity as a Concept7m
Complexity and Energy Flows8m
Complex Systems2m
Assessments - Specialisation Overview5m
8 readings
Specialisation Assessment Overview5m
A Preview of the Briefing Paper Assignment5m
Assessment Overview for Course 1: Analysing Complexity5m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Glossary1m
2 practice exercises
Multiple Choice - Mod 18m
Short writing for Module 1: What is complexity?30m
Week
2Complex Physical Systems
In this module, we'll look at how complexity operates in the inanimate universe, the corresponding links between physics, chemistry, and geology and how they reflect the ground rules of all forms of complexity.
5 videos (Total 32 min), 9 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Cosmic Complexity6m
Chemical Complexity9m
Planetary Complexity6m
Complex Physical Systems3m
9 readings
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Glossary1m
2 practice exercises
Multiple Choice - Mod 26m
Short writing for Module 2: Complex physical systems30m
Week
3Complex Adaptive Systems
In this module, we'll explore the ratcheting up of complexity inside adaptive systems, and the impact adaptation has on the rules of the game for constantly evolving complex systems.
6 videos (Total 37 min), 11 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Dissipative Structures6m
Cellular Complexity8m
The Complexity of Brains5m
Complex Ecosystems8m
Adaptive Systems and Ecosystems3m
11 readings
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Glossary1m
2 practice exercises
Multiple Choice - Mod 38m
Short writing for Module 3: Complex adaptive systems30m
Week
4Complex Cultural Systems
In this module, we'll look at an even more powerful adaptive system - culture. We'll survey what is at the root of this new form of complexity and how this impacts our thinking about how human society, the most complex system of which we are aware, functions and evolves.
6 videos (Total 41 min), 11 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
The Evolution of Language8m
Social Complexity8m
Linguistic Complexity7m
Complexity Wealth and Consumption7m
Complex Cultural Systems3m
11 readings
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Resources1m
Glossary1m
Glossary1m
2 practice exercises
Multiple Choice - Mod 46m
Short writing for Module 4: Social complexity30m
4.8
13 Reviews25%
started a new career after completing these courses
20%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top Reviews
By JW•Nov 8th 2018
This is a fascinating topic. I've been looking for something to provide a solid base for knowledge and this appears to be it. It gives me a different perspective about life and life challenges.
By TA•Oct 24th 2017
You should study Complexity from this course if you are interesting in complex system.
Instructors
David Baker
Associate LecturerBig History Institute
David Christian
ProfessorBig History Institute
Shawn Ross
Associate ProfessorBig History Institute
About Macquarie University
Macquarie is a hub of inspired and unconstrained thinking. Macquarie was founded with a unique purpose: to bring minds together unhindered by tradition. Created to challenge the education establishment, Macquarie has a rich track record of innovation. Macquarie actively shapes the complex issues that define the future of humanity.
About the Solving Complex Problems Specialization
SOLVING COMPLEX PROBLEMS will teach you revolutionary new problem-solving skills. Involving lectures from over 50 experts from all faculties at Macquarie University, we look at solving complex problems in a way that has never been done before.
This specialization uses the framework of Big History which synthesizes knowledge across the sciences and the humanities, and provides a powerful foundation to think and research in new ways. Big History has been embraced as an important global framework by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Presentations at WEF by Professor David Christian, one of the creators of this specialization, have included ‘Interdisciplinary Approaches to Solving 21st Century Challenges’ (Davos 2012), ‘Big History for Big Picture Thinking’ (Davos 2014), and ‘Big History, Big Decisions’ (Tianjin 2014). In 2015, the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos had four sessions devoted to Big History including three interdisciplinary ‘Big History, Big Future’ panels on cooperation, innovation, and global growth and stability. These interdisciplinary discussion panels were the inspiration for this Solving Complex Problems Specialization.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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