Mathematics 231: Ordinary Differential Equations (Fall 2003)
Instructor:
Tom Beale
Description:
Theory for existence (local and global), uniqueness,
and continuous dependence on parameters. Linear equations with constant or
periodic coefficients. Stability of equilibria and periodic orbits.
Bifurcation theory: local (steady state and Hopf) and global (homoclinic).
An example of chaos (the Lorenz attractor).
This course is normally taken by all first year graduate students in
mathematics. Students outside of Mathematics are welcome. The format of
the course makes it fairly easy to accomodate a variety of
backgrounds. Please see the instructor if you are concerned whether your
background will be sufficient for the course.
Prerequisites:
Math 103 (Multiple-variable calculus), Math 104
(Linear algebra), and Math 139 (Analysis). A previous course in ODE is
useful but not required.
Text:
Differential
Equations and Dynamical Systems, 3rd edition (2001), by
Lawrence Perko
Course Website:
For more information see Professor Beale.
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