Overview
- Studies the tools of complex system theory that include chaos and fractals, game theory, networks, agent-based models and information theory
- Contains examples, some outside the traditional boundaries of science, to help build a more intuitive feeling for complex systems
- Outlines principles that can be used to design the next generation of machines and automata
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About this book
This book explores the interdisciplinary field of complex systems theory. By the end of the book, readers will be able to understand terminology that is used in complex systems and how they are related to one another; see the patterns of complex systems in practical examples; map current topics, in a variety of fields, to complexity theory; and be able to read more advanced literature in the field. The book begins with basic systems concepts and moves on to how these simple rules can lead to complex behavior. The author then introduces non-linear systems, followed by pattern formation, and networks and information flow in systems. Later chapters cover the thermodynamics of complex systems, dynamical patterns that arise in networks, and how game theory can serve as a framework for decision making. The text is interspersed with both philosophical and quantitative arguments, and each chapter ends with questions and prompts that help readers make more connections.
“The text provides a useful overview of complex systems, with enough detail to allow a reader unfamiliar with the topic to understand the basics. The book stands out for its comprehensiveness and approachability. It will be particularly useful as a text for introductory physics courses. Tranquillo’s strength is in delivering a vast amount of information in a succinct manner.… A reader can find information quickly and efficiently—that is, in my opinion, the book’s greatest value.” (Stefani Crabtree, Physics Today)
“The text provides a useful overview of complex systems, with enough detail to allow a reader unfamiliar with the topic to understand the basics. The book stands out for its comprehensiveness and approachability. It will be particularly useful as a text for introductory physics courses. Tranquillo’s strength is in delivering a vast amount of information in a succinct manner.… A reader can find information quickly and efficiently—that is, in my opinion, the book’s greatest value.” (Stefani Crabtree, Physics Today)
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Keywords
- Non-linear systems
- Pattern formation
- Networks and information flow in systems
- Thermodynamics of complex systems
- Dynamical patterns in networks
- System behaviors
- Cellular Automaton
- Differential equations
- Symmetry breaking
- Turning pattern formation
- Fractals and patterns in phase space
- Scale-free networks
- Artificial intelligence
- Open systems
- Structural adaptation
- Complex and coupled systems
- complexity
- Systems Biology
Table of contents (11 chapters)
Reviews
“The text provides a useful overview of complex systems, with enough detail to allow a reader unfamiliar with the topic to understand the basics. The book stands out for its comprehensiveness and approachability. It will be particularly useful as a text for introductory physics courses. Tranquillo’s strength is in delivering a vast amount of information in a succinct manner. … A reader can find information quickly and efficiently—that is, in my opinion, the book’s greatest value.” (Stefani Crabtree, Physics Today, November, 2019)
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Joe Tranquillo is Associate Professor of Biomedical and Electrical Engineering at Bucknell University, where he co-founded the Bucknell Innovation Group, KEEN Winter Interdisciplinary Design Experience, served as the co-director of the Institute for Leadership in Technology and Management, and currently directs the Teaching and Learning Center.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: An Introduction to Complex Systems
Book Subtitle: Making Sense of a Changing World
Authors: Joe Tranquillo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02589-2
Publisher: Springer Cham
eBook Packages: Engineering, Engineering (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-02588-5Published: 21 February 2019
eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-02589-2Published: 13 February 2019
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XIV, 396
Number of Illustrations: 109 b/w illustrations, 12 illustrations in colour
Topics: Complexity, Complex Systems, Applications of Mathematics, Systems Biology, Artificial Intelligence