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Cursus: BETA-B3-CS
BETA-B3-CS
Complex Systems Project
Cursus informatie
CursuscodeBETA-B3-CS
Studiepunten (EC)7,5
Cursusdoelen
  1. Application of the theory acquired in the course Methods and Models in Complex Systems.
  2. Cooperation between students of different backgrounds.
  3. Identifying the interdisciplinary aspects of the chosen problem.
  4. Written and verbal analysis of the work done by the group, with each member detailing the role of his/her background discipline in the results.
Inhoud
In this project the students will work in small groups (3 to 4 students) on a specific problem, from its description to a final analysis and possibly one or more solutions. The problems can be very practical to rather theoretic. Examples are flocking behaviour (by birds or other animals), stock markets, econophysics, Ising models applied to human interaction, traffic jams. Students can also suggest their own subject.
The groups are preferably multi-disciplinary. The students will tackle the problem using modelling, (mathematical) analysis of the model and simulations. The results will be summarised in a report and an oral presentation
. Every group will have a staff member of the Science department as supervisor. The group will meet with the supervisor on a regular base.
 

 
The course has a number of phases:
A) Setup of the research project. (week 1 and 2)
I)                    Introduction by a teacher on modelling and simulation. Introduction of the choices of projects.
II)                  Formation of groups.
III)                 First analysis of chosen problem. Identify relevant disciplines (Mathematics, Economics, Biology,…). Divide the problem in subquestions. Set tasks for the different members of the group.
 
B ) Disciplinary analysis. (weeks 3 to 7)
I)                    Each member works on his/her subproblem by first doing a literature review followed by applying appropriate modelling techniques.
II)                  Models are analysed, either theoretically or by computer simulation, or a combination.
III)                 There is regular communication between the members on the progress on various subtasks.
 
C) Integration and presentation (weeks 8, 9 10)
I)                    Each member reports to the others on his/her results.  All members must be aware of the work done by the others, although not necessarily on an expert level.
II)                  All members work on an integrated report which must be readable by someone who is not an expert in all disciplines. Certain technical matters may be relegated to appendices.
III)                 All members work on an integrated presentation of 30 minutes. In this presentation, each member will highlight his/her contribution.
The final grade will be calculated by considering the Report (50%, all members receive the same grade), Presentation (20%, grades can vary), and Process (30%, grades can vary).  This last criterium considers the division of work, teamwork, reaching deadlines, etc.
 
Requirements:
Methods and Models in Complex Systems (BETA-B2-CS), or similar.
Python programming skills.
 
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