Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (Phys 417)

This course  introduces modern geometrical methods for the analysis of dynamical systems. The course, which is computer intensive, is unique in comprising a laboratory component which allows one to examine and analyze real systems. The development of this course has been funded by the NSF under a CCD grant.

To see the presentation at the Gordon Conference 2010 on Physics Education & Research click here.

To see the paper published in American Journal of Physics about the course and/or the invited presentation  at  Gordon Conference(2004) and AAPT meetings  click here.

This course:

• teaches geometrical methods and visualization techniques for the analysis of complex dynamical systems with the purpose of building an intuitive understanding of their behavior,
• offers experimental laboratory exercises drawn from a variety of fields for hands-on experience and to show the underlying similarities between seemingly unrelated systems,
• goes beyond the traditional analysis of simple linear systems and includes nonlinear and chaotic systems,
• involves experiments which use computers for data acquisition and analysis,
• includes numerical methods using computers in analyzing dynamical systems,
• will satisfy the GE Area B6  requirement.

PREREQUISITE:

COURSE FORMAT

Laboratory: Involves computer interfaced data acquisition and data analysis using Matlab
as well as computer simulations. (See the Experiments link below for more detailed information) 

Textbook: "Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos ", by S.H. Strogatz, Addison Wesley, 1994.

There will be scheduled experiments for the first seven weeks and the students will be working on a self selected project for the last three weeks.
 
 

Experiments

List of faculty involved in the development

• Neil Fleishon
• Jean McDill
• Matt Moelter
• Kent Morrison
• Rod Schoonover
• John Sharpe
• Nilgun Sungar

Other interesting sites