Paul Charbonneau, professor at UdeM and CRAQ researcher, publishes an introductory work on the modeling of complex system

NATURAL COMPLEXITY: A Modeling Handbook, by Paul Charbonneau, provides a

short, hands-on introduction to the science of complexity using simple computational models of natural complex systems—with models and exercises drawn from physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. By working through the models and engaging in additional computational explorations suggested at the end of each chapter, readers very quickly develop an understanding of how complex structures and behaviors can emerge in natural phenomena as diverse as avalanches, forest fires, earthquakes, chemical reactions, animal flocks, and epidemic diseases.

NATURAL COMPLEXITY provides the necessary topical background, complete source codes in Python, and detailed explanations for all computational models. Ideal for undergraduates, beginning graduate students, and researchers in the physical and natural sciences, this unique handbook requires no advanced mathematical knowledge or programming skills and is suitable for self-learners with a working knowledge of precalculus and high-school physics.

Charbonneau, P. “NATURAL COMPLEXITY: A Modeling Handbook”, Princeton University Press, 2017.

Contact:
Professor Paul Charbonneau
Center for Research in Astrophysics of Quebec
Université de Montréal
Phone : (514) 343-2300
paulchar@astro.umontreal.ca