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MX4085: NONLINEAR DYNAMICS & CHAOS THEORY I (2016-2017)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This course covers the fundamental mathematical concepts required for the description of dynamical systems, i.e., systems that change in time. It discusses nonlinear systems, for which typically no analytical solutions can be found; these systems are pivotal for the description of natural systems in physics, engineering, biology etc. Emphasis will be on the study of phase spaces.

Next to the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, chaos and dynamical systems theory is been considered as one of three major advances in the natural sciences. This course offers the mathematics behind this paradigm changing theory.




Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Carmen Romano

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • MX3021 Further Real Analysis (Passed)
  • Either Mathematics (MA) (Studied) or Physics (PX) (Studied)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • MX4084 Nonlinear Dynamics & Chaos Theory (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course covers the fundamental mathematical concepts required for the description of dynamical systems, ie., systems that change in time. It discusses ordinary differential equations and nonlinear systems, for which typically no analytical solutions can be found; these systems are pivotal for the description of natural systems in physics, engineering, biology etc. Some emphasis will be on the study of chaotic systems and strange, ie., fractal attractors.

Next to the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, chaos and dynamical systems theory is considered as one of three major advances in the natural sciences. This course covers the mathematics behind this paradigm changing theory.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%); continuous assessment in the form of weekly assignments (30%).

Written Exam (100%). Only the marks obtained at the first attempt can count towards Honours classification.

Formative Assessment

By weekly tutorials and dialogue with lecturer. Toward the end of the course a mock examination will help to gauge the development of the students.

Feedback

Within two weeks of a continuous assessment exercise - immediate feedback in class tutorials.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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