Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit delves into the meaning of chaos and the implications it has for modelling reality. Topics may include (1) probabilistic properties of deterministic systems—chaos is not randomness, but probability theory can be used to provide useful characterisations of chaos; (2) structural stability—under what conditions will a model of a system have essentially the same dynamics as the system, taking into account that the model will have some degree of error?; (3) shadowing—how do we find the 'true' trajectory when we are given only noisy observations?; (4) embedding—if we only know that a system has a finite number of variables (that is, it is a finite dimensional map or flow) but do not know how many, then how many different quantities should we measure to completely discover the dynamics? The surprising answer is that usually only one is necessary; and (5) nonlinear time series analysis—how to use information theory to build a model of the dynamics of a system.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 4 elective
  • Honours option in Mathematics and Statistics [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an awareness of modern techniques appropriate to the understanding of complex dynamical systems, including (but not limited to)—embedding and reconstruction, modelling and information, dynamical invariants, shadowing and filtering, and/or nonlinear Monte Carlo hypothesis testing; (2) demonstrate knowledge of tolls and techniques appropriate to the application of these methods; (3) understand the theoretical underpinnings of these techniques; and (4) appropriately apply these techniques to experimental time series data obtained from deterministic low-dimensional dynamical systems.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) project and (2) assignments. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Michael Small
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
in the HON-MTHST Mathematics and Statistics [Honours]
and MATH3021 Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
Contact hours
3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.