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Unit of study_

MATH3063: Nonlinear ODEs with Applications

2025 unit information

This unit of study is an introduction to the theory of systems of ordinary differential equations. Such systems model many types of phenomena in engineering, biology and the physical sciences. The emphasis will not be on finding explicit solutions, but instead on the qualitative features of these systems, such as stability, instability and oscillatory behaviour. The aim is to develop a good geometrical intuition into the behaviour of solutions to such systems. Some background in linear algebra, and familiarity with concepts such as limits and continuity, will be assumed. The applications in this unit are from biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering, including population dynamics, epidemics, chemical reactions, and simple mechanical systems.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Science

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
12 credit points of MATH2XXX units of study
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
MATH3963 or MATH4063
Assumed knowledge:
? 
MATH2061 or MATH2961 or [MATH2X21 and MATH2X22]

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain the principle of linear approximations to nonlinear systems and use this to analyse system behaviour close to steady states
  • LO2. synthesise graphical information from nullclines and flow to construct qualitative phase plane solutions to problems in nonlinear systems
  • LO3. demonstrate knowledge of the theory of existence and uniqueness, and the determination of stability of solutions of ordinary differential equations, including special cases such as Hamiltonian and gradient systems.
  • LO4. interpret model results and evaluate and explain the limitations of models in representing real systems
  • LO5. demonstrate a broad understanding of the role of basic bifurcations in nonlinear systems and evaluate the effect of parameter variation on observed model behaviour
  • LO6. apply mathematical theory in novel and diverse applications.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Remote

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.