MSc, 120 cr, 2 years
The brain, the immune system and the formation of clouds, are all examples of complex adaptive systems comprising of many interacting components, often non linear and dynamic, leading to multiple levels of collective structures and organization.Inspired by complex adaptive systems in nature, several new methods for information processing have emerged: artificial neural networks resemble neurobiology; genetic algorithms and genetic programming are based on evolutionary processes in nature; the construction of artificial life, the design of autonomous robots and software agents are based on the behaviour of living systems.
Programme description
To understand the dynamics of increasingly complex phenomena where standard simulation methods are inadequate, stochastic algorithms, game theory, adaptive programming, self similarity, chaos theory and statistical methods are used to describe and increase our understanding of complex systems in nature and society, in the end trying to predict the unpredictable.
Examples are gene-regulation networks, the motion of dust particles in turbulent air or the dynamics of financial markets.
One example is fluctuations of share and option prices determining the stability of our economy. Other examples are the dynamics of dust particles in the exhaust of diesel engines, the dynamics of biological or artificial populations, earthquake prediction, and last but not least adaptive learning: the problem of teaching a robot how to respond to unexpected changes in its environment.
Truly interdisciplinary and encompassing several theoretical frameworks, this programme provides you with a broad and thorough introduction to the theory of complex systems and its applications to the world around us. The programme is based on a physics perspective with a focus on general principles, but it also provides courses in information theory, computer science and optimisation algorithms, ecology and genetics as well as adaptive systems and robotics.
Research connections
The content of the programme is closely connected to the research on genetics and turbulence, information theory and adaptive systems and robotics performed at Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg. There is also a lively exchange with international research groups and regular guest lectures on current research that is often directly related to the course material.
The programme also has a student project activity with the Fraunhofer-Chalmers Research Centre for Industrial Mathematics
Career opportunities
Training in "computational engineering" teaches students to model and analyse complex systems and the computer modelling and analytical skills acquired in the programme open up a wide range of possibilities on the employment market, in software development and consulting, in research and development, management, and in the financial sector.
Educational methods
Besides traditional lectures on simulation and theory of complex systems, the programme is largely based on numerical calculation and simulation projects and depending on course selection possibly practical work in the robotics lab.
Programme overview
Note! preliminary version - to be updated
Detailed programme content in the Student portal, for current students Research connections
The contents of the programme are closely connected to the research on genetics and turbulence, information theory and adaptive systems and robotics performed at Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg.
There are typically a few openings each year for students who have excelled and who want to purse a PhD in complex systems within one of the disciplines. There is also a lively exchange with international research groups and regular guest lectures on current research that is often directly related to the course material.
Entry Requirements
General entry requirements
To be eligible an applicant must either be a holder of a Bachelor's degree in Science/Engineering/Architecture or be enrolled in his/her last year of studies leading to such a degree.
General entry requirements in detail
Specific entry requirementsBachelor´s degree (or the equivalent) with a Major in Engineering Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation and Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Bio Engineering or the equivalent
Prerequisites: Mathematical analysis, Linear algebra and Programming.
English Language ProficiencyThe most common and important scores that are accepted are
- IELTS (academic training), 6.5 (with no part of the test below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Internet based): 90 (with a minimum of 20 on the written part)
To read more about required minimum test results and other means of certifying fulfillment of the English language proficiency requirement, please visit:
English Language Proficiency
Application
Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
Credits: 120
Duration: 2 years
Rate of study: 100%
Instructional time: Daytime
Language of instruction: English
Teaching form: On-campus
Tuition fee: 140 000 SEK/academic year
*EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay fees.
Application Code: CTH-11009
For information about how to submit an application
It is mandatory to submit a number of required documents
Deadlines regarding application process
*EU/EEA citizens are required to provide documentation of citizenship (External Link)
Contacts
Questions regarding the application and admission process:
Chalmers’ Admissions, admissions@chalmers.se
Specific questions about the programme's content:
Mats Granath, Director of Master's Programme, mgranath@chalmers.se
+46-31-7869026
Other questions
More information
Learn more about the programme content, courses, opportunities, research and much more...
Meet students, teachers, alumni from Complex Adaptive Systems.