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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.
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.
First Year
AUTUMN TERM Study period 1
Compulsory courses
- Stochastic optimization algorithms, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Artificial neural networks, Written and oral assignments 7,5 Credits
- Complex systems seminar, part A, Project 1,5 Credits
AUTUMN TERM Study period 2
Compulsory courses
- Computational biology 1, Written and oral assignments 7,5 Credits
- Simulation of complex systems, Project 7,5 Credits
- Complex systems seminar, part A, Project 1,5 Credits
SPRING TERM Study period 3
Compulsory courses
- Complex systems seminar, part B, Project 1,5 Credits
Elective courses
- Computational biology 2, Written and oral assignments 7,5 Credits
- Autonomous agents, Examination 3,0 Credits
- Information theory for complex systems, Examination 7,5 Credits
SPRING TERM Study period 4
Compulsory courses
- Complex systems seminar, part B, Project 3,0 Credits
- Dynamical systems, Written and oral assignments 7,5 Credits
Elective courses
- Autonomous agents, Examination 4,5 Credits
- Non-equilibrium processes in physics, chemistry and biology, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Complex systems project, Project 20,0 Credits
Second Year
AUTUMN TERM Study period 1
Elective courses
- Quantum mechanics, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Molecular biology 1, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Image processing, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Humanoid robotics, Project 7,5 Credits
- Entrepreneurship and project management, Project 7,5 Credits
AUTUMN TERM Study period 2
Elective courses
- Computational physics, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Systems biology, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Examination 7,5 Credits
- Scientific visualization, Written and oral assignments 7,5 Credits
- Financial risk, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Cryptography, Examination 7,5 Credits
- Cryptography, Laboratory 0,0 Credits
SPRING TERM Study period 3
Elective courses
- Computational materials physics, Written and oral assignments 7,5 Credits
SPRING TERM Study period 4
Elective courses
- Options and mathematics, Examination
- Linear and integer optimisation with applications, Examination
- Artificial intelligence, Examination
- Statistical image analysis, Examination
Diploma thesis
- Master's thesis in Applied physics, Diploma thesis 30.0 Credits
- Master's thesis in Applied physics, part A, Diploma thesis 30.0 Credits
- Master's thesis in Applied physics, part B, Diploma thesis 30,0 Credits
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.
Important: Applications for scholarships should be made along with the application for Master's studies. Students should not wait until they receive an admission to do so.
The Avancez Scholarships are 75% tuition fee waivers awarded by Chalmers University of Technology and are funded by the Chalmers Foundation. These scholarships are available to all students who are liable to pay tuition fees i.e., students with non-EU/EEA nationality.
The IPOET (International Programme Office for Education and Training) Scholarships are 75% tuition fee waivers funded by the Government of Sweden. They are awarded by Chalmers University of Technology and available to nearly all fee-paying students, with the exception of 12 countries.
The Mölnlycke Health Care Scholarships are 100% fee tuition waivers with possibilities for summer internships and a final master's thesis project.
The Sievert Larsson Scholarship Fund (within Friends of Chalmers) offers a 100% tuition fee waiver and living expenses to students of Thai nationality who aim to study on a Masters programme at Chalmers University of Technology.
The US Friends of Chalmers Scholarship is a scholarship comprising USD 35 000 (i.e. a reduction of the tuition fee by USD 8750 per semester) and is awarded to one student with US citizenship.
The Volvo Car Corporation Scholarships are 100% tuition fee waivers awarded to 2 Chinese students with the guarantee of participation in the VESC (Volvo Engineering Student Concept) programme which includes a summer job, master thesis project, mentorship and possible employment at Volvo Car Corporation.
The Volvo Group Scholarship Programme is a 100% fee tuition fee waiver awarded to students of Indian nationality and Chinese nationality. The Scholarship includes possibilities for internships during the summer, a final Master thesis project and mentorship.
Scholarships that will not be offered in 2014
The Chalmers MasterCard Scholarship (will be offered again in 2015) Available biennialy for a Master's student from Central America, South America or Mexico. The scholarship comprises a 280 000 SEK reduction of the tuition fee (70 000 SEK reduction/ semester).
The FlexLink Scholarship (not available in 2014) for a Master's Student from China is a 100% tuition fee waiver along with possibilities for internship and a final master thesis project.
Note: Being granted alternative funding from external patrons does not affect the possibility of obtaining scholarships from Chalmers as an applicants financial status is not taken into account during the nomination process.
Scholarships for current students
Adlerbert 60th Anniversary Scholarships - Will be offered for the first time during 2014 to fee paying Master's Programme students who were admitted Autumn 2013, including scholarship holders whose scholarships do not include costs of living coverage. This means that, for instance, holders of Swedish Institute scholarships and Sievert Larsson, version 2 scholarships will not be eligible to apply. In order to be eligible the applicant must have passed at least 60 credits during the first year of studies. The scholarships, which amount to 60 000 SEK each, will be awarded based on the applicants' cumulative grade point average . Around 10 to 20 scholarships will be offered in 2014. More information about how to apply, etc., will be published soon.
Adlerbert Foreign Student Hospitality Fund - Only open for international students who have been admitted to, and enrolled on, a Master's Programme at Chalmers. Thus, prospective students cannot apply. Students can be awarded the scholarship a maximum of two times. The application period opens in late January and closes in late February. Consequently, it is only possible to apply during this period of a student's first and second year.
Scholarships administered by the Swedish Institute
The Swedish Institute, a government agency, administers over 500 scholarships each year for students and researchers coming to Sweden to pursue their objectives at a Swedish university. Use their online guide in order to find out if any of the Swedish Institute scholarships are available for citizens of your country at your intended level of study.
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