MSc Complexity Science

Institution University of Southampton, Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics, School of Electronics and Computer Science
Method At the institution
Location Southampton
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc Complexity Science

Objectives This research-led one-year programme addresses the critical challenges currently facing the computational and biological sciences, by focusing on the underlying principles of complexity common to both. Emphasis is placed on two complementary objectives. You will learn how to use advanced techniques to understand the robust, adaptive and self-organising properties of biological and natural systems, and also how to exploit these properties to address the pressing problems presented by the increasing scale and connectivity of today’s engineered systems. The course focuses on developing core mathematical modelling and simulation skills, providing a firm knowledge-base in relevant biology, and command of established techniques in biologically-inspired computing. Upon completion of this course you will be prepared for an interdisciplinary career developing advanced IT systems; from novel optimization techniques for telecommunications, and lifelike simulations for the film and games industry, to bio-molecular modelling for systems biology.
Entry requirements Upper second class honours degree or higher or equivalent in an appropriate subject discipline (for example, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or Computer Science)
Academic title MSc Complexity Science
Course description The syllabus for this new course is designed to accommodate the very latest research and knowledge on these topics – this list will give you a guide to the kind of modules that will be offered.

Units are assessed with a mixture of coursework and examinations. All units are compulsory.

For further information about studying Complexity Science see Complexity Science Focus

Current Syllabus

The following modules are available on this course. Please note, the syllabus is updated every year. This list should be considered a rough guide only.

Semester 1

-Research Methods in Computing (Compulsory)
-Adaptive Modelling of Complex Data (Compulsory)
-Complexity Science I (Compulsory)
-Complexity Science II (Compulsory)
-Evolution of Complexity (Compulsory)
-Physical and Computational Principles of Biomolecular Organisations (Compulsory)

Semester 2

-Intelligent Agents (Compulsory)
-Computational Neurobiology (Compulsory)
-Project Preparation (Compulsory)
-Biologically-Inspired Robotics (A) (Compulsory)

Semester 3/Summer

-MSc Project and Dissertation (Compulsory)
-Additional Information for students taking ELEC6003 as part of the MSc in Complexity Science.

Summer project

The MSc involves a substantial individual research project lasting three months and worth 60 credits. You will pursue independent research into a challenging complexity science topic agreed jointly between you and your supervisor. Your work will be closely related to active interdisciplinary research within the school, and will culminate in a dissertation, and your participation in a student-run complexity science conference.

As such, the summer project will give you valuable experience of taking part in a range of research activities typical to academia and industry: from critically evaluating existing work, scoping and specifying a research question, and developing state-of-the-art models and systems, to peer review and conference presentation of your results.