Dynamical Systems (MVSpec)

Lecture time & place: Wed 2:00pm at großer Hörsaal, Philosophenweg 12

Motivation:
Nonlinear dynamics is an interdisciplinary part of mathematical physics, with applications in such diverse fields as mechanics, optics, chemistry, biology, ecology, to name but a few. Equations with nonlinearities show a much more diverse behavior than their linear counterparts, for instance self-sustained oscillations, nonlinear competition (as linear superposition does not hold anymore), chaotic dynamics and pattern formation.

Contents:
The lecture deals with nonlinear dynamics on the level of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), introducing concepts like phase space analysis, attractors, (in)stability of solutions and bifurcations, multiple scale analysis and nonlinear oscillations.

Prerequisites:
The course is designed for physics students in advanced bachelor and beginning master semesters (students from other disciplines are also welcome). It will be given in English. A basic understanding of physics and differential equations is sufficient to attend. Exercises will be discussed in the tutorials (please register).

Literature:
- SH Strogatz, Nonlinear dynamics and chaos, Westview 1994