MATH 4210
Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
An introduction to nonlinear dynamics with applications to physics, engineering, biology, and chemistry. Emphasizes analytical methods, concrete examples, and geometric thinking. Topics include one-dimensional systems; bifurcations; phase plane; nonlinear oscillators; and Lorenz equations, chaos, strange attractors, fractals, iterated mappings, period doubling, renormalization. Students will be expected to be comfortable writing proofs. More experience with proofs may be gained by first taking a 3000-level MATH course.
fall 2026
Readings
- Hirsch, Smale, and Devaney, Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, and an Introduction to Chaos 3rd edition , Elsevier Science & Technology Books, 2012 (978-0-12-382010-5) — free e-book through the Cornell Math Library
- (optional) Strogatz, Steven H., Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos with applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering 2nd edition , Westview Press, 2014 (978-0-8133-4910-7) — free e-book through the Cornell Math Library
Prerequisites & course information
MATH 2210 or MATH 2230 or MATH 2310 or MATH 2940; MATH 2220 or MATH 2240 or MATH 1920; or equivalents.