#Complexity, #dynamics, #emergence, #network science

Summary

In this class we will explore the world of biological systems through the lens of complexity and networks. We will see how components interact within these systems to give rise to patterns and behaviors. We will touch upon the role of network structures in influencing system dynamics, stability, and function in the realm of biology.

Goals

  1. Introduce the basic ideas and concepts of complexity in biological systems.
  2. Introduce the use of networks in biology.

Suggested reading

  1. Watts DJ, Strogatz SH. Collective dynamics of “small-world” networks. Nature. 1998;393: 440–442. Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/30918

  2. Barabási A-L, Albert R. Emergence of scaling in random networks. Science. 1999;286: 509–512. doi:10.1126/science.286.5439.509

  3. Bascompte J. Networks in ecology. Basic Appl Ecol. 2007;8: 485–490. doi:10.1016/j.baae.2007.06.003

  4. Proulx SR, Promislow DEL, Phillips PC. Network thinking in ecology and evolution. Trends Ecol Evol. 2005;20: 345–353. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2005.04.004

  5. Poisot T, Stouffer DB, Kéfi S. Describe, understand and predict: why do we need networks in ecology? Funct Ecol. 2016;30: 1878–1882. doi:10.1111/1365-2435.12799

  6. Segar ST, Fayle TM, Srivastava DS, Lewinsohn TM, Lewis OT, Novotny V, et al. The Role of Evolution in Shaping Ecological Networks. Trends Ecol Evol. 2020;35: 454–466. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2020.01.004

  7. Allesina S. Going Big. In: Dobson A, Holt RD, Tilman D, editors. Unsolved Problems in Ecology. Princeton University Press; 2020. pp. 374–380. Download

  8. Barabási A-L. Network Science. 2021. Available: http://networksciencebook.com/

  9. Complexity explained. Available:https://complexityexplained.github.io