Summer Schools
Each year the Centre for Complex Systems Studies offers a summer school for students worldwide. Through courses, computer simulations and mini-projects, the students get an inspirational introduction to complex systems. The main aim is to show students how complex systems science is applied by Utrecht University researchers to challenging societal problems.
More information on the summer school.
Aim of the course
- i) to recognise complex systems related to societal, environmental, engineering and scientific problems and to learn their basic features;
- ii) to introduce a complex systems way of thinking and analysis;
- iii) to learn basic mathematical concepts and methods needed for complex system analysis, for example from dynamical systems theory and the theory of networks;
- iv) to get hands-on experience in studying complex systems.
Study load
The course consists tutorial lectures and guest lectures from the broadest possible range of topics/fields/problems where complex systems play a role, as well as hands-on computer practice in the afternoons.
Programme of summer school 2022
Physical location: Utrecht University, Utrecht Science Park, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Lecture Room: CCSS living room (Centre for Complex System Studies), Minnaert building 4.16, Leuvenlaan 4, 3584 CE Utrecht
Practicals Room: Buys Ballot Building 103, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht
Dates: August 15-19, 2022
Coordinator: Dr. Robbin Bastiaansen
Monday August 15 Theme "Tipping Points & Collective Behaviour"
09:00-09:15 Welcome, Introduction to Summer School and Programme
09:15-10:15 Lecture (part 1) by prof. dr. ir. Henk Dijkstra
10:15-10:30 ~ Break ~
10:30-11:30 Lecture (part 2) by prof. dr. ir. Henk Dijkstra
11:30-12:00 Introduction of Project 1
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Specialist Lecture on ‘Simulating Human Navigation and Crowds’ by dr. Roland Geraerts
14:30-17:00 Work on Project 1
Tuesday August 16 Theme "Feedback Processes & Emergence"
09:00-09:15 Welcome
09:15-10:15 Lecture (part 1) by prof. dr. ir. Max Rietkerk
10:15-10:30 ~ Break ~
10:30-11:30 Lecture (part 2) by prof. dr. ir. Max Rietkerk
11:30-12:00 Introduction of Project 2
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Specialist Lecture on ‘Development Biology’ by prof. dr. Kirsten ten Tusscher
14:30-17:00 Work on Project 2
18:00-late Social dinner
Wednesday August 17 Theme "Theory of Networks"
09:00-09:15 Welcome
09:15-10:15 Lecture (part 1) by dr. Deb Panja
10:15-10:30 ~ Break ~
10:30-11:30 Lecture (part 2) by dr. Deb Panja
11:30-12:00 Introduction of Project 3
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Specialist Lecture on ‘Complex Systems Thinking in Sociology’ by dr. Rense Corten
14:30-17:00 Work on Project 3
Thursday August 18 Theme "Adaptive & Evolutionary Systems"
09:00-09:15 Welcome
09:15-10:15 Lecture (part 1) by prof. dr. Rob de Boer
10:15-10:30 ~ Break ~
10:30-11:30 Lecture (part 2) by prof. dr. Rob de Boer
11:30-12:00 Introduction of Project 4
12:00-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13:30-14:30 Specialist Lecture on ‘Ocean Circulations and Marine Connectivity’ by prof. dr. Erik van Sebille
14:30-17:00 Work on Project 4
Friday August 19 Theme "Project Presentations"
09:00-09:15 Welcome
09:15-10:15 Project Presentations by participants
10:15-10:30 ~ Break ~
10:30-12:30 Project Presentations by participants
12:30-13:30 ~ Lunch Break ~
13.00-14.00: Certificate & Goodbye