MA6H0 Applied Dynamical Systems
Lecturer: Robert MacKay
Term(s): Term 1
Commitment: 30 lectures
Assessment: Oral Exam
Formal registration prerequisites: None
Assumed knowledge:
MA251 Algebra I: Advanced Linear Algebra:
- Jordan normal form
- Differentiation in more than one dimension, implicit function theorem, divergence theorem
Useful background: Read one of the following three books:
- MW Hirsch, S Smale & RL Devaney, Differential equations, dynamical systems and an introduction to chaos.
- JD Meiss, Differential Dynamical Systems
- RC Robinson, An introduction to dynamical systems.
Synergies: This module provides a complementary view of dynamical systems theory to others offered by the department. It concentrates on continuous time and aspects relevant to physics and biology. If you want a well rounded training in dynamical systems theory you are recommended to take one of the others plus this one.
Content: This course will introduce and develop the notions underlying the geometric theory of dynamical systems and ordinary differential equations. Particular attention will be paid to ideas and techniques that are motivated by applications in a range of the physical, biological and chemical sciences.
The module will be structured around the following topics:
- Review of basic theory: flows, notions of stability, linearization, phase portraits, etc
- Invariant manifold theorems: stable, unstable and center manifolds
- Bifurcation theory from a geometric perspective
- Chaotic dynamics: horsehoes, Melnikov method and discussion of strange attractors
Learning Outcomes: Appreciate the geometric approach to dynamical systems