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Study information

Ergodic Theory - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEErgodic Theory CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM048 MODULE CONVENERProf Mark Holland (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 weeks
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 20
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This course provides an introduction to ergodic theory. This subject uses mathematical analysis to explore the statistical properties of deterministic dynamical systems, such as their long run average behaviour. In particular, the course will explore applications and extensions of the famous Poincare Recurrence Theorem, and Birkhoff Ergodic Theorem for a measure preserving systems. Throughout the course, fundamental concepts will be explored using various dynamical system case studies, of relevance to both pure topics (such as number theory) and applied disciplines (in particular, the characterization of deterministic chaotic behaviour in nonlinear dynamical systems).

AIMS - intentions of the module

By taking this module, you will gain a deeper understanding and mathematical analysis of dynamical systems, and the statistical and recurrence properties of their orbits. This is especially in the case of chaotic dynamical behaviour.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Recall and apply key definitions and theoretical results within ergodic theory, and dynamical systems.
2 Apply concepts in ergodic theory to dynamical system case studies. Use mathematical techniques required for proving theorems, and for understanding recurrence properties of dynamical systems.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
3 Extract abstract mathematical formulations from a diverse range of problems.
4 Apply abstract reasoning and rigorous analysis is to solve a large range of problems.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
5 Show ability to think analytically and to use rigorous arguments to formulate solutions as mathematical proofs.
6 Communicate results in a clear, correct and coherent manner.
 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

-- Overview of relevant probability and measure theory.

-- Basic dynamical systems theory and motivating case studies.  

-- Invariant measures for dynamical systems and Poincare' Recurrence.

-- Ergodicity, mixing and the Birkhoff Ergodic Theorem.

-- Dynamical system case studies: exploring ergodicity and recurrence statistics for selected examples. Examples include irrational rotations, Markov maps, uniformly expanding maps, subshifts of finite type, and the Gauss map. 

The course will also explore a subset of the following special topics:

i) Ergodicity of non-uniformly expanding maps. Examples include chaotic dynamical systems such as the quadratic map, the Lorenz family of maps, and maps displaying intermittency.

ii) Recurrence properties of hyperbolic systems, e.g. the Arnold Cat Map, the Solenoid Map.

iii) Connections with probability theory for independent identically distributed random variables, e.g. quantifying deviations from the average via the Central Limit Theorem, and quantifying infinitely often recurrence via Borel-Cantelli theory.

iv) Connections between the statistics of recurrence and extreme value theory.

v) Connections with number theory (e.g. Weyl's theorem on polynomials).

vi) Symbolic dynamics and Gibbs measures.

vii) Thermodynamic formalism: topological and metric entropy, topological pressure.

 

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 33 Lectures
Guided independent study 117 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Assessments x4 10 Hours All Verbal
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 20 Written Exams 80 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework / Assignment 1 10 10 hours All Written/tutorial
Coursework / Assignment 2 10 10 hours All Written/tutorial
Exam 80 2 hours - Summer exam period All In accordance with CEMPS policy
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written Exam * Written exam (2 hours) All August Ref/Def period
Coursework 1 * Coursework 1 All August Ref/Def period
Coursework 2 * Coursework 2 All August Ref/Def period

*Please refer to reassessment notes for details on deferral vs. Referral reassessment

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped. 

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Web based and electronic resources:

ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Peterson, K Ergodic Theory Cambridge University Press 1983 9780511608728
Set Devaney, R.L. An Introduction to Chaotic Dynamical Systems Addison Wesley 2003 000-0-201-13046-7
Set Katok, A & Hasselblatt, B Modern Theory of Dynamical Systems Cambridge University Press 1995 9780511809187
Set Walters, P Ergodic Theory Springer 1982 978-0-387-95152-
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES MTHM002, MTH3024
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 12th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 21st March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH ergodic theory, dynamical systems, measure

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.