Self-organization

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Self-organization
Leerdoelen	At the end of the course, the student is able to: 1) State the association between hypotheses and experiments in the computer model 2) Extend the code in the project in a modelling environment (i.e. Netlogo) 3) Clarify the relation between hypotheses, the results and conclusions 4) Communicate clearly the outcomes (including test and graphs) of the experimental model and data-analyses orally (e.g. presentation and communication with supervisors). Present results in a short lecture to others in clear language and well-structured
Omschrijving	Processes of self-organisation often stabilise ecological interactions on the one hand and lead complex social behaviour in group- living animals on the other hand. This is often due to the spatial structure which causes processes of self-organisation. Self-organisation implies that cognitively simple rules at the level of the individual (the so-called micro-level) may lead to complex behaviour at a higher level (the macro-level). This will be illustrated with examples regarding, e.g. spatial configuration of individuals such as predator and prey, host and parasite (often in a spiral shape), and of processes such as the speed of spread of fire, grouping of larvae, segregation of the sexes of humans and cultural processes and social structure in primates, schools of fish, flocks of birds and architectural constructs made by social insects. Lectures are given in the mornings and practicals in the afternoon. The practical work closely follows the contents of the lecture of each day. During these practicals students learn how to use the user-friendly programming environment Netlogo in combination with data-analysis in spreadsheets. In the last part of the course, students work on their own modeling project (alone or in pairs). Projects will be offered, but students can also work on their own ideas. The work is to be rounded off with an end- presentation.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Bijeenkomst (S), Hoorcollege (LC), Practisch werk (PRC), Werkcollege (T) (Traditional lecture 15 hrs, Seminar 1 hr, Doing a more extensive project in Netlogo under supervision 36 hrs, Exercises 60 hrs, Self study 29 hrs)
Toetsvorm	Practisch werk (PR), Presentatie (P), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE) (Open questions 50%, Scientific presentation on experimental model 25%, Project 25%. Exam and project should be 5.5 or higher.)
Vaksoort	bachelor
Coördinator	prof. dr. C.K. Hemelrijk
Docent(en)	prof. dr. C.K. Hemelrijk
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Preferred literature (not madnatory): Self-organisation in Biological Systems, Princeton University Press, 2001 Camazine and co-authors 10: 0-691-11624-5
Entreevoorwaarden	PLEASE NOTE Biology and Life Science & Technology (old curriculum) course units are only accessible for students of those degree programmes. Students from other degree programmes who would like to participate in Biology course units are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before registration. After this contact, students have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this procedure results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification.
Opmerkingen	Preparation for: master cursus Advanced self-organisation of social systems Capacity max: 35 students Students from the bachelor degree programme Biology take priority over students from the bachelor programme Artificial Intelligence. The exercises are obligatory (max 1 day missing), otherwise students are not allowed to participate in the projects (prc/pr). Dit vak had vorig jaar vakcode WBLS19046
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type BSc Artificial Intelligence 3 semester II b keuze BSc Artificial Intelligence 2 semester II b keuze BSc Biology: major Ecology and Evolution 2 semester II b keuze BSc Biology: major Integrative Biology 2 semester II b keuze