Enabling students for researching topics in Analytical Social Sciences

The doctoral program in Social Complexity Sciences is divided into two major phases: an academic period and a research period, for a duration of four semesters each. During the first three months of the academic period, students will learn about interdisciplinary concepts in the social sciences and will also learn to use analytical methodologies, for example, for modeling social behavior through empirical analysis. During the fourth semester, students will expand their knowledge on research methods related to the area in which they will conduct their thesis project. After these first four semesters of the program, students will be evaluated on their thesis project proposal and will take the oral candidacy exam. Once they have approved both evaluations, students will officially earn the title of PhD candidate. During the next phase of the program; the research period, students will have to carry out their proposed research for their thesis.

Empirical Analysis and Modelling

These two models are divided into two categories: mathematical modeling of social behavior and empirical analysis. In studying mathematical modeling, students will acquire a set of tools in order to achieve their objectives, such as game theory, network analysis and computer simulations. With this set of tools, students will be expected to construct proper models for individual decision making processes and for the emerging social phenomena that is associated to decision making. At the same time, students will learn a set of empirical analysis techniques, such as econometrics, data mining, spatial analysis and experimental methods.

Behavior Fundamental and Institutional Processes

Along with learning about analytical methodologies, students will also be instructed in two interdisciplinary fields, related to one another. The first is on the fundamentals of human behavior, which students will learn about by studying economics, anthropology, evolutionary psychology and social neuroscience. The second field of interest focuses on institutional and social processes, therefore students will study sociology, political science and economics.