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An Introduction to Complex Systems

Making Sense of a Changing World​

  • Textbook
  • © 2019

Overview

Authors:
  1. Joe Tranquillo

    1. Bucknell University, Lewisburg, USA

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  • 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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Table of contents (11 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
    Download chapter PDF

  2. Introduction

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 1-34

  3. Simple Rules

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 35-59

  4. Non-linear Systems

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 61-97

  5. Pattern Formation

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 99-133

  6. Networks

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 135-174

  7. Information Flow

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 175-214

  8. Thermodynamics of Complex Systems

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 215-252

  9. Game Theory

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 253-292

  10. Dynamics of Networks

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 293-322

  11. The Edge

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 323-359

  12. Criticisms and Future Directions

    • Joe Tranquillo
    Pages 361-369

  13. Back Matter

    Pages 371-396
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Keywords

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)

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

  • Bucknell University, Lewisburg, USA

    Joe Tranquillo

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

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