This course is part of the Solving Complex Problems Specialization

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Shawn Ross

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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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Course 1 of 4 in the

Solving Complex Problems Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

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.

Course 1 of 4 in the

Solving Complex Problems Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.62/5 (24 Ratings)

Shawn Ross

Associate Professor

Big History Institute

22,776 Learners

4 Courses

Offered by

Macquarie University

Macquarie is ranked among the top one per cent of universities in the world, and with a 5-star QS rating, we are recognised for producing graduates who are among the most sought-after professionals in the world. Since our foundation 54 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university: one focused on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating90%(1,779 ratings)

Week

Week 1

2 hours to complete

What 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.

2 hours to complete

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

5 videos

Complexity7m

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

2 practice exercises

Multiple Choice - Mod 130m

Short writing for Module 1: What is complexity?30m

Week

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Complex 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.

2 hours to complete

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

Week

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Complex 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.

2 hours to complete

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

Week

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Complex 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.

2 hours to complete

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

Reviews

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TOP REVIEWS FROM ANALYSING COMPLEXITY

by JWNov 7, 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 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.

by BMAug 10, 2020

Course is well structured very useful and relavent considering present scenario of world and education level & standard

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, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.

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Analysing Complexity

About this Course