Chaos and Dynamical Systems

(4 Credits)

Topics will include dynamics of maps and of first order and second order differential equations: stability, bifurcations, limit cycles, dissection of systems with fast and slow time scales. Geometric viewpoint, including phase planes, will be stressed. Chaotic behavior will be introduced in the context of one-variable maps (the logistic), fractal sets, etc. Applications will be drawn from physics and biology. There will be homework and projects, and a few computer lab sessions (programming experience is not a prerequisite). Prerequisite: MATH-SHU 140 Linear Algebra and MATH-SHU 151 Multi Calculus (Recommended: MATH-SHU 262 Ordinary Differential Equations) Fulfillment: Math additional elective, Honor Math elective.