PHYS108

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PHYS108

Freshman Seminar on Chaos PHYS108 FA

Next Offered in 9798 FA

This course provides an introduction to the exciting new ideas emerging in the highly interdisciplinary fields of nonlinear dynamics, fractals and chaos with applications in economics, biology, mathematics, computer science, political science, chemistry and physics. In addition, because these fields are still in active phases of growth and development, this course will also provide students with a unique opportunity to observe and participate in the creative process of "doing science".

MAJOR READINGS

J.L. Borges, "The Library of Babel" in
Labyrinths, (1964)
J. Gleick, CHAOS: MAKING OF A NEW SCIENCE (1987)
R. Jensen, "Classical Chaos", American Scientist 75
(March-April), 166 (1986)
B. Mandelbrot, The Fractal Geometry of Nature (1982)
Scientific American and Journal Articles.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

none

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Biweekly assignments involving mathematical analysis and computer simulations. Term Research project. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: NSM PHYS

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-10-1997

About the Photo:

Three-dimensional fractal ferns.

Reference:

Barnsley, Michael, FRACTALS EVERYWHERE. San Diego: Academic Press, Inc., 1988

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