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PHYS108
Freshman Seminar on Chaos
PHYS108 FA
Photo Caption and Credits
Next Offered in 9899 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-03-1998
About the Photo:
Three-dimensional fractal ferns.
Reference:
Barnsley, Michael, FRACTALS EVERYWHERE. San
Diego: Academic Press, Inc., 1988
Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459