Syllabus for Math 614

Dynamical Systems and Chaos

Spring 2008

Instructor: Volodymyr Nekrashevych

Office: Milner 223

Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 11:30-12:30 or by appointment.

nekrash "at" math "dot" tamu "dot" edu

Home-page: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~nekrash

Telephone:  (979) 845 24 50

Class hours:

MWF 10:20-11:10 BLOC 624

MATH 614 web page:

The web page of the course is http://www.math.tamu.edu/~nekrash/teaching/08S/MATH614.html.

It will contain lecture handouts and homework assignments.

Course Description.

The course is an introduction to various branches of dynamical systems with emphasis on chaos theory. The topics include: discrete maps, continuous flows, dynamical systems, Poincare maps, symbolic dynamics, chaos, strange attractors, fractals, computer simulation of dynamical systems.

Text.

1. An Introduction to Chaotic Dynamical Systems by Robert L. Devaney, Westview Press, 2003, ISBN 0813340853.
2. A First Course in Chaotic Dynamical Systems: Theory and Experiment by Robert L. Devaney, Westview Press, 1992, ISBN 0201554062.

Grading.

Your grade will be determined by homework and a project weighted as 40\% and 60\%, respectively. \noindent I may curve any grade and will then compute the course grade by the following rule: $A$ for at least 90\%, $B$ for at least 80\%, $C$ for at least 70\%, $D$ for at least 60\% and $F$ for less than 60\%. Make-up policy: Make up exams will be offered only in case of serious and well documented medical or family problems, religious holidays, or participation in university authorized activities. Please refer to the

Texas A&M University Student Rules on attendance

for more precise information. In particular, note the Rule 7.5 which states that if the student is seeking an excused absence, the student must notify the instructor as soon as possible after the absence, but no later than the end of the second working day after the last date of absence. If the absence occurs the same day as a scheduled exam or other graded procedure, the student must notify his/her instructor or department by the end of the next working day after the absence in order to ensure full rights. The student is responsible for providing satisfactory evidence to the instructor within one week of his or her absence return to substantiate the reason for absence.
Late Homeworks will not be accepted.
Scholastic dishonesty: Copying work done by others, either in-class or out of class, is an act of scholastic dishonesty and will be prosecuted to the full extent allowed by University policy. Collaboration on assignments, either in-class or out-of-class, is forbidden unless permission to do so is granted by your instructor. For more information on university policies regarding scholastic dishonesty, see University Student Rules.
Remember the Aggie Code of Honor: "An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do."
Copyright policy: All printed materials disseminated in class or on the web are protected by Copyright laws. One xerox copy (or download from the web) is allowed for personal use. Multiple copies or sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement: The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life. The policy statement was forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Disability Services Office, in Room B116 of Cain Hall or call 862-4570.