Possible final grades are A,B,C,D,F. Grades are based on homework
scores 30%, and the grade on a class project 70%. The project will involves
both a written and oral presentation to the class on a problem of interest.
Your choice of topic must be approved. Homework will be assigned as
needed to aid in the understanding of the material covered in the lectures.
Homework
assignments and important announcements will appear on the web version
(http://www.physics.uiowa.edu/~wpolyzou/phys206/) of this syllabus.
This is a course on non-linear dynamics. It focus on different types of dynamical systems whose solutions may involve chaotic behavior.
The course has two texts. Most of the topics of interest will be illustrated using systems of ordinary differential equations or related mapping problems. My goal is to illustrate important topics in the context of the simplest systems, where some analysis is possible. After some initial introductory material I will start by considering one dimensional non-invertible mapping problems, which exhibit a rich variety of non-linear phenomena including including period doubling bifurcations, Sarkovskii's theorem, and universality. Qualitative properties of differential equations, including attractors, flows and asymptotic behavior, stability, Hamiltonian systems, small denominators, the KAM theorem, and other topics in nonlinear dynamics will also be covered.
In addition to the texts there are a number of excellent references on specific topics in nonlinear dynamics. Below I have listed some of the references that I know.
Students with Disabilities
Any student who has a disability which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements, should contact me that appropriate arrangements may be made. Students with disabilities should also contact the Office of Student Disabilities Services (335-1462).
Student Complaints:
A student who has a complaint related to this course should follow the procedures summarized below. The full policy on student complaints is on-line in the College's Student Academic Handbook (http://www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/ix.shtml)
Ordinarily, the student should attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor first. Students may talk first to someone other than the instructor (the departmental executive officer, or the University Ombudsperson) if they do not feel, for whatever reason, that they can directly approach the instructor.
If the complaint is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, the student should go to the departmental executive officer.
If the matter remains unresolved, the student may submit a written complaint to the associate dean for academic programs. The associate dean will attempt to resolve the complaint and, if necessary, may convene a special committee to recommend appropriate action. In any event, the associate dean will respond to the student in writing regarding the disposition of the complaint.
For any complaint that cannot be resolved through the mechanisms described above, please refer to the College's Student Academic Handbook for further information.