The goal of this class is to work on self-organization and the phenomena of emergence. In particular, we we have a deep look into synchronization and swarming. The students should be prepared to a level where they can work on these topics as part of their research seminars or master theses.

We will work based on books and papers as reading material and apply the software Mathematica to perform certain calculations and plotting. The class itself will be focusing on discussing the topics of a particular paper or book chapter.

The specific topics covered in this class are:FirefliesBrain Waves and SleepQuantum synchronizationChaos and synchSmall-world networksSwarmingSwarmalators

It is expected that students are able to read and understand the main messages of a scientific paper and formulate questions about relevant details. Further, some basic programming skills are expected to be able to solve simple tasks in Mathematica. 

None.

Steven H. StrogatzSync: How Order Emerges from Chaos In the Universe, Nature, and Daily LifePenguin Books, Limited (UK);Certain papers (will be announced in class)

Grading is based on class participation and on solving certain weekly tasks.

All content covered in the lecture, but in particular the content of the book "SYNC" by S. H. Strogatz.

Active participation in class and in the dicussions