David M. Walker • Thomas Stemler

MATH3021: Nonlinear dynamics & chaos

Abstract

In this course we are concerned with the qualitative, quantitative, and occasionally analytical analysis of dynamical systems. We will not be too concerned with finding exact analytical solutions to differential or difference equations. Indeed for most nonlinear equations this is not even possible. We are more concerned with introducing the techniques and methods so that a qualitative picture of what the behaviour of a system is. The tools required to perform such an analysis will be familiar to you, namely, multivariable calculus from MATH1011 (e.g., Jacobian matrices), and linear algebra from MATH1012 (e.g., eigenvalues and eigenvectors).