General Information

Introduction to nonlinear dynamics and chaos, the study of systems that do not obey a simplified linear form, in which their behavior can become hard to predict. Applications in physics, chemsitry, biology, and engineering, such as fluid flow, will also be explored.

Prerequisites

The introductory math sequence class (MATH 2210-2220, MATH 2230-2240, or MATH 1920-2940) and familiarity with proofs (a 3000-level math class would be beneficial). MATH 2930 or equivalent preparation in differential equations.

Topics Covered

  • One-dimensional systems
  • Bifurcations
  • Phase plane
  • Nonlinear oscillators
  • Lorenz equations
  • Chaos
  • Strange attractors
  • Fractals
  • Iterated mappings
  • Period doubling
  • Renormalization

Workload

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Semester Professor Median Grade Syllabus