MATH 4440 Dynamical Systems
This course is an introduction to nonlinear dynamics and their applications, emphasizing qualitative methods for differential equations. Topics include fixed and periodic points, stability, linearization, parameterized families and bifurcations, and existence and nonexistence theorems for closed orbits in the plane. The final part of the course is an introduction to chaotic systems and fractals, including the Lorenz system and the quadratic map.
Course overview
- Department
- Mathematics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Both
- Offered
- Every Spring
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
- Mathematics B.A.: 4000-level Mathematics elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Mathematics B.S.: 4000-level Mathematics elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Physics B.S.: At least 6 credits of advanced (4000 level or above) elective coursework (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Applied Physics B.S.: At least three elective courses at or above the 4000 level (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Computer Science B.S.: Upper-level mathematics option (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.25 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.58 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Katherine Slyman | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 35 of 38 |
| Spring 2025 | Katherine Slyman | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 7–9 hrs/week | 29 of 40 |
| Spring 2024 | Renato Mirollo | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 4.3 | — | 28 of 35 |
| Spring 2023 | Renato Mirollo | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.2 | — | 28 of 33 |
| Spring 2022 | Renato Mirollo | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | — | 16 of 25 |