About this Course

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This course is designed to be a fun and accessible introduction to the topic of systems theory.  Systems theory describes a number of fundamental concepts that undergird a broad array of phenomena across many different social, political and natural arenas. It is from this broad applicability that the course derives its title: Pets (social), politics (political and economic) and Pandemics (natural).
Despite being, hopefully, fun, the course has a serious intent as it aims to teach enough systems theoretical methods so that after taking the course the student can apply it to their own life to gain new insights into things they may have been studying already for a while. The material within this course can be applied across broad contexts, such as making difficult choices and communicating your ideas effectively to peers. After all, there are indeed strategies for navigating situations in life with the help of lessons from science. 

In the course, with the help of Professor Billinge's dogs, we will grapple with social justice, climate change, propaganda and disinformation, the origin of the unidirectionality of time and watch some relaxing views of birds flying around with nice music playing.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Beginner Level

There is no prior knowledge required for this course.

Approx. 11 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Understand and apply intuitive concepts about abstract systems and system theoretical methods
Analyze things you may have been studying already for a while through new insights
Grapple with social justice issues, climate change, propaganda and disinformation, the origin of the unidirectionality of time

Skills you will gain

Social Justice
Education and Propaganda
Systems Thinking
equity and equality
Climate Change

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

There is no prior knowledge required for this course.

Approx. 11 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Simon Billinge

Professor of Materials Science and Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics

Department Apply Physics and Applied Math

49 Learners

1 Course

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

24 minutes to complete

Getting Started and Course Overview

24 minutes to complete

1 video (Total 1 min), 4 readings

Week2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Life’s Problems, What Is a System, and Who Cares Anyway?

Most of life’s challenges consist of interactions between an individual and different groups, where the group can range from one individual through all of mankind, and indeed non-human groups. This module helps you recognize that essentially all of life’s challenges consist of interactions between an object and different groups of objects that we call a system, where the object can be a person or a thing and the system can range from one object or individual to many objects and groups of individuals throughout all of mankind. During this week's lecture series, we will explore the concept of systems behavior as it relates to such interactions, and its complexities as we apply “force” in an attempt to achieve desired outcomes.

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 66 min), 2 readings, 3 quizzes

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Understanding Scientific Systems

System susceptibility means that the system response is never, in general, completely determined by the applied force. In this sense, systems “have a mind of their own” and it is not possible to control system responses completely. During this week’s lecture series, we will investigate how to work towards getting a desired outcome by changing the applied force, as well as the system’s susceptibility.

3 hours to complete

12 videos (Total 81 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes

12 videos

3.1 Linear Response Theory 10m3.2 Susceptibility7m3.3 A Mind of Its Own - Part 18m3.4 A Mind of Its Own - Part 27m3.5 Systems and the Arrow of Time 5m3.6 Time-Symmetric System 6m3.7 Is This Case Simple or Complex?6m3.8 Making Guesses About the Future Better3m3.9 Predicting the Future - Part 1 8m3.10 Predicting the Future - Part 25m3.11 People, We Need To Talk About Time Again4m3.12 Examples of Force Response5m

1 reading

Week 3 Lecture Notes 10m

2 practice exercises

Week 3 Quiz 130mWeek 3 Quiz 2 30m

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Applying your Knowledge to Real World Situations

3 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 68 min), 1 reading, 3 quizzes

9 videos

4.1 What Can We Apply SRFSuP To?7m4.2 Education vs. Propaganda - Part 17m4.3 Education vs. Propaganda - Part 2 5m4.4 Education vs. Propaganda - Part 3 6m4.5 Overwhelming Force 8m4.6 Applying SRFSuP to Politicians11m4.7 Guiding Democracy Towards Persuasion7m4.8 SRFSuP Analysis for Better Policy 7m4.9 Applying SRFSuP 7m

1 reading

Week 4 Lecture Notes 10m

3 practice exercises

Week 4 Quiz 130mWeek 4 Quiz 230mWeek 4 Quiz 3 30m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Pets, Politics and Pandemics