MATH281

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MATH281

Chaotic Dynamical Systems MATH281 SP

Next Offered in 9899 SP

This course is concerned with the mathematics which describes and explains chaotic dynamical systems, i.e., deterministic systems whose behavior appears to be random. Fractal hackers and those who get their notions of "new science" from popular best-sellers will be disappointed. This is not a course in making computer pictures of systems we cannot analyze mathematically, but rather a course in the mathematics (i.e., theorems and proofs) which explains what is seen in some of these pictures. On the other hand, for the most part we will deal with concrete systems on the real line or in the plane.

MAJOR READINGS

Robert L. Devaney, AN INTRODUCTION TO
CHAOTIC DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

To be announced

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Although the formal prerequisites are only linear algebra and multivariable calculus, a certain amount of mathematical sophistication, in particular the willingness and ability to read and write proofs, is also required.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: MATH221 and MATH222

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

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