Skip to main content
Unit outline_

MATH4414: Advanced Dynamical Systems

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In applied mathematics, dynamical systems are systems whose state is changing with time. Examples include the motion of a pendulum, the change in the population of insects in a field or fluid flow in a river. These systems are typically represented mathematically by differential equations or difference equations. Dynamical systems theory reveals universal mechanisms behind disparate natural phenomena. This area of mathematics brings together sophisticated theory from many areas of pure and applied mathematics to create powerful methods that are used to understand and control the dynamical building blocks which make up physical, biological, chemical, engineered and even sociological systems. By doing this unit you will develop a broad knowledge of methods and techniques in dynamical systems, and know how to use these to analyse systems in nature and in technology. This will provide a strong foundation for using mathematics in a broad sweep of applications and for research or further study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Assumed knowledge is vector calculus (e.g., MATH2X21), linear algebra (e.g., MATH2X22), dynamical systems and applications (e.g., MATH4063 or MATH3X63) or equivalent. Some familiarity with partial differential equations (e.g., MATH3978) and mathematical computing (e.g., MATH3976) is also assumed.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Geoffrey Vasil, geoffrey.vasil@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Final take-home exam
Combination analytical/computational work. Typed written report
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 03 Dec 2020 at 23:59
4 days
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Assignment 1
Combination analytical/computational work. Type written report.
25% Week 06 4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Assignment 2
Combination analytical/computational work. Typed written report
25% Week 11 4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Assessment summary

  • Assignment 1: Will cover the fundamentals of finite maps. Among other things, this will involve the use of composition and transfer operators.
     
  • Assignment 2: Will cover the dynamics of continuous systems. Among other things, this will involve studying chaos and sensitive dependance on initial conditions.
  • Final Exam: This will involve synthesising concepts througout the semester. 

In each case, the topics will be presented with much reference to soecific examples.

Assessment criteria

The work will include a mixture of analytical and computer work. The computer results will be presented in the form of figures and text. Not code specifically. The work will be marked on the basis of correctness and quality of presentation.  

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

No late assessments will be accepted.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to definitions and examples Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Further explore foundational definitions and examples Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Explore classic discrete models in depth. Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Explore classic discrete models in depth Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Explore classic discrete models in depth Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Investigate classic continuous models in dynamical systems Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Investigate classic continuous models in dynamical systems Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Investigate classic continuous models in dynamical systems Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Investigate classic continuous models in dynamical systems Block teaching (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Study chaotic dynamics via classic modest. E.g Double pendulum, Lorentz equations, Logistic map, and renormalisation group theory. Block teaching (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Study chaotic dynamics via classic modest. E.g Double pendulum, Lorentz equations, Logistic map, and renormalisation group theory. Block teaching (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Consider the stochastic dynamics and its relation to fast-slow chaotic dynamics. Block teaching (4 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

None required. Students can consult the book “Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos” by Steve Strogatz as a reference. 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

  • LO1. Understand the distinction between continuous, discrete, and finite dynamical systems.
  • LO2. Understand the concept of transfer and composition operators.
  • LO3. Explain how the single and double pendulum are important paradigms for much of general dynamical systems.
  • LO4. Be able to gain intuition about a system by computing examples numerically.
  • LO5. Understand bifurcations, period doubling, and transition to chaos,
  • LO6. Understand the statistical nature of ensembles of deterministic and stochastic solutions to dynamical systems.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the course is being taught by a new lecturer.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.