MRes in Complexity Sciences

Have you ever wondered how animals move collectively in flocks, swarms and shoals? Or how the brain learns and remembers information? Or how different plants, species or even transport systems evolve and adapt according to their environments? These are just a few examples of the kind of research undertaken at the Bristol Centre for Complexity Sciences - a Centre for Doctoral Training funded by the EPSRC.

Complexity Sciences is the study of collective behaviour which cannot be explained by examining a single element (eg a single animal/ neuron/cell etc) - instead it is necessary to study the complex system as a whole. There are numerous complexity problems across many disciplines which require development of mathematical and computational theory to model, study and predict this behaviour.

This programme will equip you with a theoretical 'toolbox' which is developed and applied to real-world problems that exist in many sectors of industry and cutting-edge research.

Core units

During the Autumn and Spring terms you will study taught modules covering a range of mathematical sciences including:

• Network Theory
• Control Theory
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• Big Data
• Mathematical Modelling

Alongside this theoretical training you will also be exposed to a variety of disciplines and problems across Engineering, Biological Sciences and Social Sciences where the mathematical theory can be applied.

Research project

During the second half of the year you will work on an enhanced research component comprising two distinct 12-week research projects which provide the opportunity to develop novel theoretical approaches and apply them to complex real-world systems.