Following a brief history of systems science, the book explores:

• Basic concepts, characteristics, properties, and classifications of general systems
• Nonlinear systems dynamics and the theory of catastrophe
• Dissipative structures and synergistics
• Studies of chaos, including logistic mapping, phase space reconstruction, Lyapunov exponents, and chaos of general single relation systems
• Different aspects and concepts of fractals, including a presentation of L systems analysis and design
• Complex systems and complexity, with a discussion of how the phenomena of "three" and complexity are related, and how various cellular automata can be constructed to generate useful simulations and figurative patterns
• Complex adaptive systems and open complex giant systems, with introduction of the yoyo model and practical applications
• Complex networks and related concepts and methods

The book concludes with several case studies that demonstrate how various concepts and the logic of systems can be practically applied to resolve real-life problems, such as the prediction of natural disasters. The book will be useful in directing future research and applications of systems science on a commonly accepted platform and playground.