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PHY196H1F
Emergence in Nature

Official description

The universe is not a rigid clockwork, but neither is it formless and random. Instead, it is filled with highly organized, evolved structures that have somehow emerged from simple rules of physics. Examples range from the structure of galaxies to the pattern of ripples on windblown sand, to biological and even social processes. These phenomena exist in spite of the universal tendency towards disorder. How is this possible? Self-organization challenges the usual reductionistic scientific method, and begs the question of whether we can ever really understand or predict truly complex systems.  Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite
No prior experience with physical science will be required, but familiarity with Grade 10 mathematics will be assumed.
Co-requisite
n.a.
Exclusion
n.a.
Recommended preparation
n.a.
Textbook
                            ['n.a.']
                        
Breadth requirement
BR=5
Distribution requirement
DR=SCI
course title
PHY196H1F
session
fall
year of study
1st year
time and location
24S: LEC0101: WF3-4 Students/TAs: Room information available on ACORN (https://www.acorn.utoronto.ca/) Instructors: Room information available in the LSM Portal (https://lsm.utoronto.ca/lsm_portal)
instructor
Julian, Stephen R.
Stephen R. Julian