Not available in 2022/23
MA303      Half Unit
Chaos in Dynamical Systems

This information is for the 2022/23 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Graham Brightwell

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Mathematical Methods (MA100) and Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (MA103) are pre-requisites.  It is highly desirable to have also taken the course Real Analysis (MA203).

Course content

Given a function f:X->X, what is the (iterative) behaviour of fn (x)=f(f(...(f(x)) )) (f applied n times). What do 'orbits' of f look like - an orbit has the form x, f(x), f(f(x)).,,, Particular emphasis is given to long-term evolution and stability analysis of such systems f:X->X. We explore connections with so-called fractal sets, which are roughly sets that look the same at any degree of magnification, and may have a dimension which is not an integer. We also discuss chaotic maps f, where fn (x) cannot be determined if there is any small uncertainty about x. Topics covered: Iteration of discrete maps. Orbit analysis. Contraction mapping theorem. Quadratic maps. Bifurcations. Definition of chaos. Sarkovskii's theorem. Fractal sets.

Teaching

22 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the LT.

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Formative coursework

Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.

Indicative reading

Full lecture notes will be provided. The following may prove useful, R Devaney, A First Course in Chaotic Dynamical Systems; R Devaney, An Introduction to Chaotic Dynamical Systems; E Scheinerman, Invitation to Dynamical Systems. A fun and interesting read might be Glieck, J.,Chaos: Making a New Science.

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.

Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Total students 2021/22: Unavailable

Average class size 2021/22: Unavailable

Capped 2021/22: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills