BIOL 452 - Self-Organization in Life and Chemical Sciences

Spring (3) Del Negro and Bagdassarian

Here we investigate self-organization and complex collective behaviors that emerge from simple dynamical principles in a variety of living and chemical systems. We consider, for example, oscillatory chemical reactions, single-celled organisms and their communal behaviors, as well as the spread of HIV in human populations using agent-based computer simulation to model and analyze these systems. The course culminates in a final research project wherein students, in consultation with the instructors, develop and analyze their own original model. (Cross listed with APSC 452)