This unit has a manageable workload in my opinion. The assessments (currently) comprise of 2 tests (20% each), weekly reflections (15% in total), a group presentation (5%), a project (35%) and an interim report for the project (5%). The content is digestible even to people with limited mathematical knowledge (which might be expected since complex systems is a relatively new field in general), and the lecturer explains the concepts well. The math in this unit is less calculations/algebra and more explaining/understanding, which makes it more interesting. There is no exam, but there is a project which involves a scientific report and coding in Python. You are not taught how to code, since the unit coordinator is not qualified to teach coding, so you have to learn it yourself (or hope that the unit coordinator brings in someone who can help). Attendance and participation are not compulsory but are worth marks, and there is a short group presentation where you only talk briefly about a (digestible) scientific paper for a few minutes per person, with a different paper and presentation group for each week. You can choose when/what you present, and you do not have to if you are willing to sacrifice the 5%. There are also several guest lectures by various mathematicians, which are not compulsory to attend but are interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed the unit, and it is the most unique math unit that I have done at UWA. I recommend doing it because of both the genuinely interesting content and the fact that you can get a small taste of research/honours by doing what is essentially a "mini honours project".

Anonymous, Semester 2, 2025