MATH 4210

Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

An 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. Students will be expected to be comfortable writing proofs. More experience with proofs may be gained by first taking a 3000-level MATH course.

Prerequisites 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 MAE 5790, MATH 4200, MATH 4210, MATH 5200

Enrollment Priority Recommended prerequisite: MATH 2930 or equivalent preparation in differential equations.

Distribution Requirements (SMR-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2024FA, 2024SP, 2023SP, 2022SP

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