This course is part of the Solving Complex Problems Specialization

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140 ratings

A/Professor Iain Hay

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Solving Complex Problems SpecializationMacquarie University

About this Course

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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

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Coursera Labs

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Course 1 of 4 in the

Solving Complex Problems Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 1 of 4 in the

Solving Complex Problems Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.57/5 (28 Ratings)

A/Professor Iain Hay

Director, Professional Learning and Engagement

Macquarie School of Education

128,979 Learners

8 Courses

Offered by

Macquarie University

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating91%(2,019 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

What is complexity?

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 32 min), 8 readings, 2 quizzes

5 videos

Complexity7mDefining Complexity as a Concept7mComplexity and Energy Flows8mComplex Systems2mAssessments - Specialisation Overview5m

8 readings

Specialisation Assessment Overview5mA Preview of the Briefing Paper Assignment5mAssessment Overview for Course 1: Analysing Complexity5mResources1mGlossary1mResources1mGlossary1mGlossary1m

2 practice exercises

Multiple Choice - Mod 130mShort writing for Module 1: What is complexity?30m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Complex Physical Systems

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 32 min), 9 readings, 2 quizzes

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Complex Adaptive Systems

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 37 min), 11 readings, 2 quizzes

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Complex Cultural Systems

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 41 min), 11 readings, 2 quizzes

Reviews

4.5

43 reviews

5 stars
67.14%
4 stars
20.71%
3 stars
7.85%
2 stars
0.71%
1 star
3.57%

TOP REVIEWS FROM ANALYSING COMPLEXITY

by VNApr 13, 2021

I have understood the world in a different perspective after doing this course 1.

by PGDec 2, 2021

It was different, very interesting and informative, lot of learnings.

by JBMay 14, 2017

Me gusto el curso. Una visión muy interesante acerca de porque aumenta la complejidad del ambiente que nos rodea aunque ello contradiga el segundo principio de la termodinámica.

by KKJul 11, 2020

The course is really knowledgeable, interesting and useful, particularly, for those who are interested in the domain of complexity.

View all reviews

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?
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.
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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Analysing Complexity

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