This primer offers readers an introduction to the central concepts that form our modern
understanding of complex and emergent behavior together with detailed coverage of accompanying
mathematical methods. All calculations are presented step by step and are easy to follow. This
new fourth edition has been fully reorganized and includes new chapters figures and exercises.
The core aspects of modern complex system sciences are presented in the first chapters
covering network theory dynamical systems bifurcation and catastrophe theory chaos and
adaptive processes together with the principle of self-organization in reaction-diffusion
systems and social animals. Modern information theoretical principles are treated in further
chapters together with the concept of self-organized criticality gene regulation networks
hypercycles and coevolutionary avalanches synchronization phenomena absorbing phase
transitions and the cognitive system approach to the brain. Technical course prerequisites are
the standard mathematical tools for an advanced undergraduate course in the natural sciences or
engineering. Each chapter includes exercises and suggestions for further reading and the
solutions to all exercises are provided in the last chapter. From the reviews of previous
editions: This is a very interesting introductory book written for a broad audience of graduate
students in natural sciences and engineering. It can be equally well used both for teaching and
self-education. Very well structured and every topic is illustrated with simple and motivating
examples. This is a true guidebook to the world of complex nonlinear phenomena. (Ilya
Pavlyukevich Zentralblatt MATH Vol. 1146 2008) Claudius Gros' Complex and Adaptive Dynamical
Systems: A Primer is a welcome addition to the literature. A particular strength of the book is
its emphasis on analytical techniques for studying complex systems. (David P. Feldman Physics
Today July 2009).
