Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit seeks to provide a formal framework to understand complex patterns of interaction in science and nature. Examples of such systems include emerging patterns and collective behaviour in flocking birds, structure in communities of friends in online networks, spread of disease among and between communities, and critical state transitions in earthquakes and cardiac arrhythmia. Concepts discussed in this unit include complex networks, networks of dynamical systems, collective behaviour and critical transitions.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Mathematics; Mathematics major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand and describe the key signatures of complex systems and their evolution; (2) understand various agent-based paradigms for collective behaviour and explain onset of coherence; (3) characterise and explain pattern formation, synchronisation and chimera states in neworked dynamical systems; and (4) explain and utilise various models of criticality.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class tests; (2) semester project; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Shannon Algar
Unit rules
Prerequisites
MATH2021 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
Contact hours
lectures: 3 hours per week
workshops: 1 hour per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.