Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life
proposé par
Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life
University of California, Irvine
À propos de ce cours
4.4
77 notes
Before the advent of quantum mechanics in the early 20th century, most scientists believed that it should be possible to predict the behavior of any object in the universe simply by understanding the behavior of its constituent parts. For instance, if one could write down the equations of motion for every atom in a system, it should be possible to solve those equations (with the aid of a sufficiently large computing device) and make accurate predictions about that system’s future.
However, there are some systems that defy this notion. Consider a living cell, which consists mostly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen along with other trace elements. We can study these components individually without ever imagining how combining them in just the right way can lead to something as complex and wonderful as a living organism! Thus, we can consider life to be an emergent property of what is essentially an accumulation of constituent parts that are somehow organized in a very precise way.
This course lets you explore the concept of emergence using examples from materials science, mathematics, biology, physics, and neuroscience to illustrate how ordinary components when brought together can collectively yield unexpected, surprising behaviors.
Note: The fractal image (Sierpinkski Triangle) depicted on the course home page was generated by a software application called XaoS 3.4, which is distributed by the Free Software Foundation under a GNU General Public License.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Explain the difference in assumptions between an emergent versus reductive approach to science.
2. Explain why the reductivist approach is understood by many to be inadequate as a means of describing and predicting complex systems.
3. Describe how the length scale used to examine a phenomenon can contribute to how you analyze and understand it.
4. Explain why the search for general principles that explain emergent phenomena make them an active locus of scientific investigation.
5. Discuss examples of emergent phenomena and explain why they are classified as emergent.
Programme du cours : ce que vous apprendrez dans ce cours
1
Section
Welcome - Let's Get Started
In this module we'll introduce the concept of emergence and provide an orientation to how this course will proceed.
3 vidéos (Total 13 min), 3 lectures
3 vidéos
Video Introduction: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Part 1 min
Video Introduction: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Part 21 min
3 lectures
Welcome Message10 min
Course Overview10 min
Thank you to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center!2 min
2
Section
The Mystery of Foam
Can a substance be both a solid and a liquid? In this module we’ll take a close look at our first emergent phenomena, complex fluids.
4 vidéos (Total 28 min), 2 lectures, 2 quiz
4 vidéos
Video: The Mystery of Foam12 min
Video: Foam and Sand10 min
Video: Sand Demonstration2 min
2 lectures
Module Overview10 min
Further Reading: Emergent Phenomena10 min
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Module 2 Quiz10 min
3
Section
Chaotic Dynamics
Are seemingly random events truly random? In this module, we'll examine ways that deterministic processes can produce the appearance of randomness.
7 vidéos (Total 56 min), 2 lectures, 2 quiz
7 vidéos
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Chaos Part 21 min
Video: Introduction to Chaotic Dynamics4 min
Video: What causes chaotic behavior?15 min
Video: The principles of chaotic dynamics9 min
Video: Chaotic Dynamics and Fractals9 min
Video: Don Saari Interview14 min
2 lectures
Module Overview10 min
Further Reading: Web Resources on Chaotic Dynamics and Fractals10 min
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Module 3 Quiz12 min
4
Section
Pattern Formation and Systems Biology
Have you ever wondered why tigers have spots and leopards have spots? This module helps to explain how these and other patterns form in nature.
8 vidéos (Total 69 min), 2 lectures, 2 quiz
8 vidéos
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Pattern Formation Part 22 min
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Pattern Formation Part 31 min
Video: Patterns in One Dimension14 min
Video: Turing12 min
Video: How Plants Grow11 min
Video: Fred Wan Interview13 min
Video: Jun Allard Interview9 min
2 lectures
Module Overview10 min
Further Reading: Web Resources on Biological Pattern Formation10 min
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Module 4 Quiz8 min
4.4
Meilleurs avis
par JE•Jan 9th 2018
An excellent explanation of a daily growing matter of science and research. I encourage everyone interested in a groundbreaking view of science, to take this course.
par RV•May 8th 2017
i enjoyed all the different modules. I recommend they add more explanation to the chaos game assignment.
Enseignants
Michael Dennin
Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Vice Provost for Teaching and LearningPhysics; Office of Teaching and Learning
Jun Allard
Assistant ProfessorMathematics
Donald Saari
UCI Distinguished Professor of Economics and MathematicsEconomics; Institute for Mathematical Behavioral Sciences
Andrea Nicholas
Lecturer PSOENeurobiology & Behavior
Fred Y.M. Wan
ProfessorMathematics
Siddharth A. Parameswaran
Assistant ProfessorPhysics and Astronomy
À propos de University of California, Irvine
Since 1965, the University of California, Irvine has combined the strengths of a major research university with the bounty of an incomparable Southern California location. UCI’s unyielding commitment to rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and leadership and character development makes the campus a driving force for innovation and discovery that serves our local, national and global communities in many ways.
Foire Aux 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 purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, 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?
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