Explore the concept of collective intelligence, where group behavior leads to efficient problem-solving. Discover how natural and engineered systems, like ant colonies, cellular societies, and computer networks, exhibit intelligent behaviors similar to human organizations. Focus on self-organization, where complex structures naturally emerge from simple interactions, observed in biological ecosystems, physical processes, and social systems like stock markets. Examine the conditions under which these systems thrive or fail, highlighting the role of evolution and cooperation. By drawing parallels between diverse systems, this course offers insights into improving collective problem-solving in human societies.
Required Reading
No textbook is required. All readings will be distributed to students electronically.
Meet Your Instructor
ANNA DORNHAUS is University of Arizona professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. With a PhD from the University of Wuerzburg (2002), she’s mentored over 180 students across different degree programs and actively promotes science education through hands-on experiments and teacher training sessions to inspire K-12 students.
Location
POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States
Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.
