Dynamical Systems
3.0
creditsAverage Course Rating
This is a course in the modern theory of Dynamical Systems. Topic include both discrete (iterated maps) and continuous (differential equations) dynamical systems and focuses on the qualitative structure of the system in developing properties of solutions. Topics include contractions, interval and planar maps, linear and nonlinear ODE systems including bifurcation theory, recurrence, transitivity and mixing, phase volume preservation as well as chaos theory, fractional dimension and topological entropy. May be taken as an Introduction to Proofs (IP) course. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in 110.201 or 110.212 OR 110.202 or 110.211 and 110.302 Area: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences
Spring 2013
Professor: Richard Brown
The best aspects of the course included the engaging professor, the exciting lectures, and the available lecture notes. The worst aspects of the course were the difficult and plenteous homework assignments, as well as the dense textbook. Students felt that there were lots of problems not often covered by the book and that the feedback on their homework assignments never real y helped them understand the correct results. The course would improve if there was a more supportive textbook for the class and if there were more examples provided for the homework assignments. Prospective students should work hard on the homework assignments and ensure they attend al classes to get help in the somewhat difficult and proof-heavy course.