35438 Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

6cp; 3hpw

This subject aims to introduce basic ideas in the qualitative theory of solutions of ordinary differential equations. The features of both two-dimensional and higher dimensional systems are considered. The theory is developed to the stage where basic ideas about limit cycles, strange attractors, chaos and bifurcations can be presented.

Topics in this subject include: review of linear systems; nonlinear systems; phase plane analysis; linearisation; local stability and instability; global asymptotic stability; stable and unstable manifolds; limit cycles and strange attractors; introduction to chaos theory; asymptotic methods; the methods of Poincaré and Lindstedt; the method of averaging; and applications to the theory of finance.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus

Fee information

2008 contribution for post-2008 Commonwealth-supported students: $907.50
Note: Students who commenced prior to 1 January 2008 should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth Supported places.

2008 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,490.00

Note: Fees for Postgraduate domestic fee-paying students and international students are charged according to the course they are enrolled in. Students should refer to the Annual Fees Schedule.

Subject EFTSL: 0.125

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.