Continuous Enrollment Will Begin Soon

Introduction to Concepts and Applications of Complexity Science is offered year-round through NECSI’s continuous-enrollment model. This self-paced, virtual certificate program provides a clear and rigorous exploration of complex systems, connecting foundational theory with real-world examples across scientific, social, and organizational contexts.

Applications of complex systems science are introduced early in the program through case studies drawn from a range of domains, including:

• Social systems: education, healthcare, and military dynamics

• Psychosocial systems: social behavior, creativity, and the mind

• Biological systems: physiology, brain function, cellular networks, and genetic systems

• Physical systems: meteorology and environmental patterns

These examples help illustrate how complexity principles operate across interconnected systems and provide a foundation for deeper inquiry throughout the course.

The curriculum consists of pre-recorded lectures, each paired with a short quiz to reinforce key ideas. Participants who complete all required modules receive a certificate of completion. An optional final exam is available for those who wish to further strengthen their understanding.

The program is designed for learners from many fields who are building or deepening their knowledge of complexity science—whether continuing earlier study or engaging with the discipline in a more formal way.

Throughout the year, participants are invited to join live sessions with Yaneer Bar-Yam and friends and faculty of NECSI, offering opportunities to explore current work, ask questions, and connect ideas to emerging developments in the field.

Upon enrollment, learners gain access to NECSI’s virtual community space—a growing environment for discussion, peer connection, and shared exploration.

Registration starts at 375ドル USD

The lecture series is organized to guide learners through the essential concepts, methods, and real-world implications of complexity science. Each section focuses on a core aspect of complex systems—from pattern formation and scaling laws to modeling, organizational behavior, and biological and social dynamics—providing both conceptual grounding and applied insight. No formal math background is required; the material is designed to be accessible while still offering depth for those with more technical experience.

Below is the full sequence of lectures, including topics and run times:

Part 1: Introduction to Complex Systems (55:19)
Part 2: Self-Organization of Patterns of Behavior (1:20:16)
Part 3: Fractal Patterns, Scaling and Universality (1:10:08)
Part 4: Patterns: Physical, Chemical, Biological and Social (1:11:24)
Part 5: Modeling Demonstration (45:23)
Part 6: Describing Complex Systems on Multiple Scales (1:07:16)
Part 7: Complexity in the Real World (1:13:31)
Part 8: Complexity and Organizations (50:00)
Part 9: Patterns in Brain and Mind (46:31)
Part 10: Modeling Change: Reaction, Feedback and Chaos (1:01:13)
Part 11: Randomness and Noise (56:02)
Part 12: Evolution and Biodiversity in Spatial Populations (1:31:15)

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