The goal of the summer school is to provide an intensive introduction to the study of complex behavior in mathematical, physical, and living systems, with particular emphasis on mathematical and computational modeling techniques. The school presents the core concepts and techniques of complex systems, together with the work in progress of researchers applying these ideas to specific problems. This training is designed to provide a solid understanding of traditional disciplines combined with a new view of complexity. In this way, the school is intended to attract, stimulate, and educate the best young scientists as they begin to define their research programs.
Course level, target audience
Applications are solicited from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in any discipline, but with some background in science and mathematics at least at the undergraduate level (including calculus and linear algebra). Women, minorities, and students from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
Course Content
During the four weeks of school, participants are introduced to the basic ideas and techniques central to research in complex systems, as well as current research frontiers.
Week 1 will consist of an intensive series of lectures and laboratories introducing fundamental ideas and tools of complex systems research. The topics will include non-linear dynamics and pattern formation, statistical mechanics and stochastic processes, information theory, theory of selection and adaptation, computer modeling tools, and specific applications of these core topics to various disciplines.
Weeks 2 and 3 will consist of lectures and panel discussions on current research in complex systems. The topics are:
- Foundations of Complex Systems (including nonlinear dynamics, information and computation theory, and evolution and adaptation)
- Network Structure and Dynamics
- Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems
- Universal Scaling Laws in Biology
- Collective Behavior and Self-Organization
Week 4 will be devoted to the completion and presentation of student projects.
Completed CEU Summer University Application Form
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Notes:
- You may apply to a maximum of two summer courses. In case of being admitted, you can only attend both if the two courses do not overlap in time.
- If you applied to CEU before, please use your existing login and password to start a new application. If you do not remember your password from last year click on Forgotten Password. With technical problems, bugs, or errors related to the online application forms please contact the CEU IT Help Desk.
- Right after login, please select the ”Summer University” radio button from the "Type of course" list, and leave all other fields empty.
- All application materials must be submitted with the online application form(s). Materials sent by postal mail, electronic mail, or fax are not considered.
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- Further user instructions for the online application are included in the form itself. Should you have questions regarding the application form, check the relevant Frequently Asked Questions.
- Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Inquiries
If you need help or more information during the application process, please feel free to contact the SUN staff via email.
Notification
The SUN Office will notify applicants about the selection results in April. Please check the 'Dates and deadlines' section on the relevant course websites for notification deadlines planned earlier or later. The final decision is not open to appeal.