Physics 505
Topics in Physics
Chaos and Time-Series Analysis
Fall 1997
Content and Level: This course is an introduction
to the exciting new developments in chaos and related topics in nonlinear
dynamics, including the detection and quantification of chaos in experimental
data. Emphasis will be on the physical concepts rather than mathematical
proofs and derivations. The course will be taught at a level that should
be accessible to graduate and advanced undergraduate students in all fields
of science and engineering.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor (calculus
and some programming experience will be assumed)
Materials Needed:
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Text: Chaos and Nonlinear Dynamics: An Introduction
for Scientists and Engineers, by Robert C. Hilborn (Oxford University Press,
1994)
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Computer: Any type will do, but you will need a compiler
(or interpreter) for the machine in the language of your choice and a printer
capable of printing graphics.
Lectures: 3:30-5:10 pm, Tuesdays, 1313 Sterling.
Prof. Clint Sprott (3285 Chamberlin Hall, 263-4449,
sprott@juno.physics.wisc.edu).
The lectures supplement but do not substitute for the reading. They will
be used mainly to provide motivation and to show demonstrations, computer
animations, slides, and videos.
Homework: Homework will consist of weekly
programming assignments that are due at the beginning of the lecture the
following week. An elaborate writeup is not required, but you should provide
evidence that you completed the assignment. In many cases, a screen print
may be all that is required. You should fill out the cover sheet and turn
it in with each assignment. You may work with others, but be sure the work
you turn in is not simply copied from someone else.
Exams: There will be no exams in the course.
Grading: The grading will be based entirely
on the homework. You will receive one point for each assignment that you
complete, and one point for handing it in on time. With 15 assignments,
your total possible score is thus 30. Letter grades will be assigned as
follows: A = 26-30, AB = 21-25, B = 16-20, BC = 11-15, C = 6-10, D = 1-5,
F = 0
Home Page: Lecture notes and other useful
course information can be found on the World Wide Web at https://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/phys505/
Additional Information