Students
MATH3902 – Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer/Convenor
Christian Thomas
Contact via Email
638 12WW
See iLearn page
Lecturer/Convenor
Sophie Calabretto
Contact via Email
625 12WW
See iLearn page
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(MATH2010 or MATH235) and (MATH2020 or MATH2110 or MATH232 or MATH236)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
The remarkable fact that determinism does not guarantee regular or predictable behaviour is having a major impact on many fields of science and engineering, as well as mathematics. The discovery of chaos, or of chaotic motions, in simple dynamical systems changed our understanding of the foundations of physics and has found many practical applications. Dynamical systems involve the study of maps and systems of differential equations. In this unit, the diversity of nonlinear phenomena is explored through the study of second-order differential equations and second-order systems, in which nonlinearity is usually ignored in simpler treatments. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Explain the principles and basic concepts of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, both of discrete systems and continuous ones through Differential Equations. In particular, gain an appreciation of the characteristics of ‘chaotic’ behaviour.
- ULO2: Competently use modern computing software to model a range of phenomena in science and engineering, displaying the complexity that can occur with nonlinear systems.
- ULO3: Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the theory of Nonlinear Systems, and how the distinction between periodic and non-periodic orbits is related to the very numbers used to model or describe the state of a system.
- ULO4: Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the Dynamical Systems, and to produce appropriate computer graphics to aptly illustrate the phenomena involved.
General Assessment Information
HURDLES: This unit has a hurdle requirement. To satisfy the hurdle requirement you must score at least 50% on the final exam. Your final grade is determined by adding the marks obtained for your examinations and assignments.
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION: Assignment submission will be online through the iLearn page.
Submit assignments online via the appropriate assignment link on the iLearn page. A personalised cover sheet is not required with online submissions. Read the submission statement carefully before accepting it as there are substantial penalties for making a false declaration.
• Assignment submission is via iLearn. You should upload this as a single scanned PDF file.
• Please note the quick guide on how to upload your assignments provided on the iLearn page.
• Please make sure that each page in your uploaded assignment corresponds to only one A4 page (do not upload an A3 page worth of content as an A4 page in landscape). If you are using an app like Clear Scanner, please make sure that the photos you are using are clear and shadow-free.
• It is your responsibility to make sure your assignment submission is legible.
• If there are technical obstructions to your submitting online, please email us to let us know.
You may submit as often as required prior to the due date/time. Please note that each submission will completely replace any previous submissions. It is in your interests to make frequent submissions of your partially completed work as insurance against technical or other problems near the submission deadline.
LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK: All assignments or assessments must be submitted by the official due date and time. No marks will be given to late work unless an extension has been granted following a successful application for Special Consideration. Please contact the unit convenor for advice as soon as you become aware that you may have difficulty meeting any of the assignment deadlines. It is in your interests to make frequent submissions of your partially completed work. Note that later submissions completely replace any earlier submission, and so only the final submission made before the due date will be marked.
FINAL EXAM POLICY: examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is, the final day of the official examination period. The only excuse for not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these special circumstances, you may apply for special consideration via ask.mq.edu.au.
SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS:
IMPORTANT: If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session. If you apply for special consideration, you must give the supplementary examination priority over any other pre-existing commitments, as such commitments will not usually be considered an acceptable basis for a second application for special consideration. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (https://bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification sometime in the week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 15% | No | Week 4 |
| Assignment 2 | 15% | No | Week 8 |
| Assignment 3 | 10% | No | Week 12 |
| Final Examination | 60% | Yes | Exam Period |
Assignment 1
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 15%
The assignment will test the ability of the students to develop and analyse mathematical problems using concepts and techniques learnt in lectures.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and basic concepts of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, both of discrete systems and continuous ones through Differential Equations. In particular, gain an appreciation of the characteristics of ‘chaotic’ behaviour.
- Competently use modern computing software to model a range of phenomena in science and engineering, displaying the complexity that can occur with nonlinear systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the theory of Nonlinear Systems, and how the distinction between periodic and non-periodic orbits is related to the very numbers used to model or describe the state of a system.
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the Dynamical Systems, and to produce appropriate computer graphics to aptly illustrate the phenomena involved.
Assignment 2
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 15%
The assignment will test the ability of the students to develop and analyse mathematical problems using concepts and techniques learnt in lectures.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and basic concepts of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, both of discrete systems and continuous ones through Differential Equations. In particular, gain an appreciation of the characteristics of ‘chaotic’ behaviour.
- Competently use modern computing software to model a range of phenomena in science and engineering, displaying the complexity that can occur with nonlinear systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the theory of Nonlinear Systems, and how the distinction between periodic and non-periodic orbits is related to the very numbers used to model or describe the state of a system.
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the Dynamical Systems, and to produce appropriate computer graphics to aptly illustrate the phenomena involved.
Assignment 3
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 10%
The assignment will test the ability of the students to develop and analyse mathematical problems using concepts and techniques learnt in lectures.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and basic concepts of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, both of discrete systems and continuous ones through Differential Equations. In particular, gain an appreciation of the characteristics of ‘chaotic’ behaviour.
- Competently use modern computing software to model a range of phenomena in science and engineering, displaying the complexity that can occur with nonlinear systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the theory of Nonlinear Systems, and how the distinction between periodic and non-periodic orbits is related to the very numbers used to model or describe the state of a system.
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the Dynamical Systems, and to produce appropriate computer graphics to aptly illustrate the phenomena involved.
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 60%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
This will be held during the final exam period. It will test the ability of students to utilise concepts and techniques learnt in lectures. The final examination is a hurdle requirement. To satisfy the hurdle requirement students must score at least 50% on the final examimnation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and basic concepts of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, both of discrete systems and continuous ones through Differential Equations. In particular, gain an appreciation of the characteristics of ‘chaotic’ behaviour.
- Competently use modern computing software to model a range of phenomena in science and engineering, displaying the complexity that can occur with nonlinear systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the theory of Nonlinear Systems, and how the distinction between periodic and non-periodic orbits is related to the very numbers used to model or describe the state of a system.
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the Dynamical Systems, and to produce appropriate computer graphics to aptly illustrate the phenomena involved.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Lectures
There will be three lectures per week, for a total of three hours.
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Although there is not a single textbook that will cover the unit, some suggested resources will be detailed on iLearn.
This subject requires the use of the following computer software:
- Matlab: Macquarie University provides Matlab access on a wide range of computing platforms. Access and installation instructions may be found at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/intranet/science-and-engineering/services-and-resources/it-support-services/miscellaneous/matlab
Unit Schedule
Weeks 1-8: Continuous Dynamical Systems
Weeks 9-12: Discrete Dynamical Systems
Week 13: Revision (no lectures)
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.