Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life from Coursera

Before the advent of quantum mechanics in the early 20th century, most scientists believed that it should be possible to predict the behavior of any object in the universe simply by understanding the behavior of its constituent parts. For instance, if one could write down the equations of motion for every atom in a system, it should be possible to solve those equations (with the aid of a sufficiently large computing device) and make accurate predictions about that system’s future.

However, there are some systems that defy this notion. Consider a living cell, which consists mostly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen along with other trace elements. We can study these components individually without ever imagining how combining them in just the right way can lead to something as complex and wonderful as a living organism! Thus, we can consider life to be an emergent property of what is essentially an accumulation of constituent parts that are somehow organized in a very precise way.

This course lets you explore the concept of emergence using examples from materials science, mathematics, biology, physics, and neuroscience to illustrate how ordinary components when brought together can collectively yield unexpected, surprising behaviors.

Note: The fractal image (Sierpinkski Triangle) depicted on the course home page was generated by a software application called XaoS 3.4, which is distributed by the Free Software Foundation under a GNU General Public License.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the difference in assumptions between an emergent versus reductive approach to science.

2. Explain why the reductivist approach is understood by many to be inadequate as a means of describing and predicting complex systems.

3. Describe how the length scale used to examine a phenomenon can contribute to how you analyze and understand it.

4. Explain why the search for general principles that explain emergent phenomena make them an active locus of scientific investigation.

5. Discuss examples of emergent phenomena and explain why they are classified as emergent.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome - Let's Get Started

In this module we'll introduce the concept of emergence and provide an orientation to how this course will proceed.

The Mystery of Foam

Can a substance be both a solid and a liquid? In this module we’ll take a close look at our first emergent phenomena, complex fluids.

Chaotic Dynamics

Are seemingly random events truly random? In this module, we'll examine ways that deterministic processes can produce the appearance of randomness.

Pattern Formation and Systems Biology

Have you ever wondered why tigers have spots and leopards have spots? This module helps to explain how these and other patterns form in nature.

Quantum Coherence, Many-Body States, and Quantum Computing

How can we study quantum events from both a reductionist and emergent perspective? This module takes a look at the atomic and quantum level of some everyday phenomena.

Consciousness

One of the most awe inspiring emergent phenomena is how consciousness emerges from complex collections of atoms and molecules. In this module, we’ll take a look at how the various regions of our brain coordinate and interact to produce consciousness.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Siddharth A. Parameswaran, Michael Dennin, Andrea Nicholas, Jun Allard, Donald Saari, and Fred Y.M. Wan, who are recognized for their work in this field

Examines concepts and phenomena in materials science, mathematics, biology, physics, and neuroscience, exposing learners to interdisciplinary connections

Provides foundational explanations of phenomena in science, making it suitable for beginners interested in developing core competencies

Covers emergent phenomena, which are highly relevant in scientific research and have important practical applications

Emphasizes the distinction between reductionist and emergent approaches to understanding phenomena, providing a nuanced perspective

Lays the groundwork for further exploration of emergent phenomena in specialized fields

Reviews summary

Thought-provoking emergent phenomena course

Learners say this thought-provoking Emergent Phenomena course covers new and interesting topics that inspire critical thinking and exploration of real-world applications. Despite occasional issues with assignment feedback, students largely enjoy the course.

Thought-provoking and inspiring discussions.

"I am particularly pleased with this course because it inspires exploration and critical thinking..."

"Has new things I never thought about before."

Some delays in receiving feedback on assignments.

"This is a deeply flawed course. I have finished all assignments in 5 modules that include a peer-review assignment."

"Thus far, I have not received any feedback for any of the submitted assignments (they appear stuck in "grading in progress" status."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life with these activities:

Read "Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software"

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of emergence through a thought-provoking exploration of its manifestations in nature and technology.

View Emergence on Amazon

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Read the book carefully, taking notes on key concepts.
Summarize the main ideas and examples presented in the book.

Review Vector Calculus

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Review the basics of vector calculus to strengthen your understanding of foundational concepts.

Browse courses on Vector Calculus

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Revisit the concepts of vectors, dot products, and cross products.
Practice applying vector calculus to solve problems involving lines, surfaces, and volumes.

Explore Fractal Patterns Using Python

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Develop your programming skills while exploring the fascinating world of fractal patterns.

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Find online tutorials on fractal generation using Python.
Follow the tutorials to create different types of fractal patterns.
Experiment with different parameters to observe how they affect the fractal's appearance.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Discuss Real-World Applications of Emergence

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Expand your perspective by sharing and discussing real-world examples of emergence with peers.

Browse courses on Emergence

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Research and identify different applications of emergence.
Join a study group or online forum to discuss these applications with peers.

Contribute to an Open-Source Project on Fractal Generation

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Develop your programming skills and contribute to the community by participating in an existing project on fractal generation.

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Find an open-source project related to fractal generation on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as adding new fractal types or improving visualization features.

Build a Model to Simulate Emergent Behavior

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Enhance your understanding of emergence by creating your own model to simulate and visualize emergent behavior.

Browse courses on Emergence

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Choose a specific phenomenon or system that exhibits emergent behavior.
Design and implement a model that simulates the behavior of this system.
Run simulations and analyze the results to observe emergent patterns.

Explain Emergence to a Layperson

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Deepen your understanding of emergence by explaining it to someone unfamiliar with the concept.

Browse courses on Emergence

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Identify the key principles of emergence.
Find real-world examples to illustrate these principles.
Write or record a clear and concise explanation.

Mentor High School Students on Basic Principles of Emergence

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Solidify your understanding of emergence while making a positive impact by mentoring younger students.

Browse courses on Emergence

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Reach out to local high schools or science clubs to offer your services.
Prepare materials and activities to teach basic principles of emergence.
Facilitate discussions and answer questions from students.

Career center

Learners who complete Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nanoscientist

Nanoscientists study the properties of materials at the nanoscale, which is typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. They design, develop, and characterize new materials with unique properties that can be used for a variety of applications, such as electronics, medicine, and energy. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for nanoscientists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of nanomaterials.

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Biologist

Biologists study living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. They investigate the structure and function of organisms, and how they have evolved over time. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for biologists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex biological systems.

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Biophysicist

Biophysicists apply the principles of physics to study biological systems. They investigate the structure and function of biological molecules, cells, and tissues, and develop new technologies for medical diagnosis and treatment. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for biophysicists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex biological systems.

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Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists study the nervous system. They investigate how the brain and nervous system control behavior, learning, and memory. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for neuroscientists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex neural networks.

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Neurobiologist

Neurobiologists study the structure and function of the nervous system. They investigate how the brain and nervous system control behavior, learning, and memory. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for neurobiologists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex neural networks.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and how it works. They investigate how we perceive, learn, remember, and think. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for psychologists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex cognitive systems.

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Materials Scientist

Materials scientists develop new materials with improved properties for a variety of applications, such as aerospace, energy, and medicine. They study the structure, properties, and behavior of materials at the atomic and molecular level in order to design new materials with tailored properties. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life may be helpful for materials scientists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex materials.

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Cognitive Scientist

Cognitive scientists study the mind and how it works. They investigate how we perceive, learn, remember, and think. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for cognitive scientists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex cognitive systems.

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Chemist

Chemists study the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. They conduct research to develop new chemical compounds and materials, and to understand the chemical processes that occur in the natural world. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life may be helpful for chemists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex chemical systems.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They investigate how social institutions, such as the family, education, and religion, shape our lives. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for sociologists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex social systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the human species and its cultures. They investigate how humans have evolved over time, and how different cultures have developed. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for anthropologists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex social systems.

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Computer Scientist

Computer scientists design, develop, and implement computer software and hardware. They study the theoretical foundations of computing, and develop new algorithms and data structures to solve problems. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life may be helpful for computer scientists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex computer systems.

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Political Scientist

Political scientists study the distribution and use of power in society. They investigate how political institutions, such as governments, parties, and interest groups, shape our lives. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be helpful for political scientists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex political systems.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They develop models to explain economic behavior and to predict economic outcomes. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life may be helpful for economists, as it provides a foundation in the principles of self-assembly and organization that are essential for understanding the behavior of complex economic systems.

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Physicist

Physicists explore the fundamental nature of the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. They conduct research to understand the forces at work in the world around us and develop new theories and models to explain our observations. A course on emergent phenomena in science and everyday life could be a useful resource for physicists, as it provides a broad overview of how complex systems can emerge from simple components. This knowledge could be helpful in developing new theories and models to explain the behavior of complex systems in the physical world.

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