MATH 4210

Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

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.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: high level of performance in a semester of linear algebra (MATH 2210, MATH 2230, MATH 2310, or MATH 2940) and a semester of multivariable calculus (MATH 2220, MATH 2240, or MATH 1920), or equivalent.
Forbidden Overlaps Forbidden Overlap: due to an overlap in content, students will receive credit for only one course in the following group: MAE 5790, MATH 4200, MATH 4210, MATH 5200.

Distribution Category (SMR-AS)

Comments Recommended prerequisite: MATH 2930 or equivalent preparation in differential equations. Students will be expected to be comfortable writing proofs. More experience with proofs may be gained by first taking a 3000-level MATH course.

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