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Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life

Approx. 12 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn about the fascinating world of Emergent Phenomena with this course. Discover how complex systems can exhibit unexpected and emergent behavior, and explore the applications of these phenomena in various fields.

Key Learning Points

Understand the principles of Emergent Phenomena and how they apply to complex systems
Explore the behavior of complex systems and how it can lead to emergent phenomena
Learn about the applications of emergent phenomena in fields such as physics, biology, and social sciences

Learning Outcomes

Understand the principles of Emergent Phenomena
Apply the principles of Emergent Phenomena to analyze complex systems
Explore the applications of Emergent Phenomena in various fields

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics
Familiarity with scientific terminology

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online self-paced
Video lectures
Quizzes and assignments

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Description

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.

Outline

Welcome - Let's Get Started
Video Introduction: Concept of Emergence
Video Introduction: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Part 1
Video Introduction: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Part 2
Welcome Message
Course Overview
Thank you to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center!

The Mystery of Foam
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Complex Fluids
Video: The Mystery of Foam
Video: Foam and Sand
Video: Sand Demonstration
Module Overview
Further Reading: Emergent Phenomena
Module 2 Quiz

Chaotic Dynamics
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Chaos Part 1
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Chaos Part 2
Video: Introduction to Chaotic Dynamics
Video: What causes chaotic behavior?
Video: The principles of chaotic dynamics
Video: Chaotic Dynamics and Fractals
Video: Don Saari Interview
Module Overview
Further Reading: Web Resources on Chaotic Dynamics and Fractals
Module 3 Quiz

Pattern Formation and Systems Biology
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Pattern Formation Part 1
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Pattern Formation Part 2
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Pattern Formation Part 3
Video: Patterns in One Dimension
Video: Turing
Video: How Plants Grow
Video: Fred Wan Interview
Video: Jun Allard Interview
Module Overview
Further Reading: Web Resources on Biological Pattern Formation
Module 4 Quiz

Quantum Coherence, Many-Body States, and Quantum Computing
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Quantum Mechanics
Video: Introduction to Emergence
Video: Describing Emergence
Video: Fractionalization Part 1
Video: Fractionalization Part 2
Video: Siddharth Parameswaran Interview
Module Overview
Further Reading: Reductionism, Entropy, and Randomness
Module 5 Quiz

Consciousness
Video: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Consciousness
Video: Fields of Consciousness
Video: Andrea Nicholas Interview
Module Overview
Further Reading: Web Resources on Consciousness
Module 6 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Coursera's Emergent Phenomena course has received positive reviews from learners across the globe. The course is highly appreciated for its engaging content, interactive learning modules, and experiential approach. One key aspect that many users loved about this course is its practical application of complex scientific concepts to real-world scenarios.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging content
Interactive learning modules
Experiential approach
Practical application of complex scientific concepts

Cons from User Reviews

Some learners found the course challenging
Limited scope of topics covered
Lengthy course duration
No certification offered

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Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life

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