Computational Nonlinear Dynamics - 2025 entry
MODULE TITLE | Computational Nonlinear Dynamics | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
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MODULE CODE | MTH3039 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr George Datseris (Coordinator) |
DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 19 |
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Nonlinear dynamical systems are used in almost all disciplines: from applied mathematics to physics of any kind, to biology, chemistry, sociology, ecology, economics, engineering, and computer science. Their nonlinearity makes them so successful, however, it comes at a price: practically nothing about nonlinear systems can be estimated analytically.
Computational nonlinear dynamics is the process of studying nonlinear dynamical systems by devising and running numerical algorithms. Throughout this module we will be discussing many interesting aspects of nonlinear dynamical systems, such as multistability, deterministic chaos, and critical transitions (see Syllabus). For each aspect, we will be devising algorithms that can identify it for arbitrary dynamical systems. In the coursework we will be creating computer programs that apply these algorithms to dynamical systems. Sometimes we may have data obtained directly from some real-world source instead of a dynamical system, but the process will be the same.
As such, this module will not only teach you how nonlinear dynamical systems behave, and how to understand them, but also how to design computer algorithms that fulfil a certain goal. This is an invaluable experience for your future employability in a world increasingly reliant on programming.
During the course, we will be applying nonlinear dynamics to study and understand real world phenomena, such as: climate tipping points, neural dynamics and excitability, chaos in planetary motion and the three body problem, ecosystem dynamics and extinction events, complexity of the stock market, and more.
The module will introduce you to Julia, a modern open-source programming language specifically designed for scientific computing. The course will also teach you how to use the DynamicalSystems.jl software library, the largest and most accessible software for computational nonlinear dynamics ever created. (2 lecture hours will be dedicated to Julia and DynamicalSystems.jl).
This module welcomes students from all disciplines, mathematics and beyond, provided they have had introductory courses in differential equations, linear algebra, and programming.
Pre-requisite modules: MTH2005 Modelling Theory and Practice OR MTH1003 Mathematical Modelling.
You will learn to combine your previously acquired knowledge from stages 1 and 2, and the new knowledge obtained in this module, as well as your programming skills to solve problems related with nonlinear dynamics that help better understand the real world, for example, climate, ecology, neuroscience, and more. You will also learn how to use a state-of-the-art tool for computational nonlinear dynamics: DynamicalSystems.jl.
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
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understand how nonlinear dynamical systems behave in different computational and real-world scenarios
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develop and numerically solve computational algorithms for dynamical systems
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apply mathematical and computational methods previously learned to study dynamical systems from applications
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
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solve mathematical problems of medium complexity (that is, requiring combination of a range of computational and mathematical techniques)
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have a plethora of computational and mathematical tools that you can use to analyse dynamical systems approximating various real-world scenarios
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
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apply computational and programming skills to problem-solving
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develop a project independently and with appropriate time management
Each year this course repeats there is a fixed skeleton of topics, and a second larger pool of topics from which a small selection is taught, varying each year.
Fixed skeleton:
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Introduction to dynamical systems and the two most common types: differential and difference equations. The state space.
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Introduction to Julia and DynamicalSystems.jl. Computation and visualization of trajectories of dynamical systems.
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Multistability and basins of attraction. Stability of dynamical systems: local and nonlocal.
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Variation of parameter(s). Bifurcations. Global Continuation: tracking any type of stability of a dynamical system as a parameter is varied.
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Deterministic chaos. Lyapunov exponents.
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Applying nonlinear dynamics in a real-world example (e.g., climate, neuroscience, ecology, lasers, …). Example varying each year.
Auxiliary topics (small selection each year):
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Nonlinear timeseries analysis: entropy and complexity.
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Delay Coordinate Embedding and more nonlinear timeseries analysis.
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Fractals. Fractal dimensions. Numeric estimation of fractal dimensions.
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Nonlinear dynamics on networks. Complex systems. Agent based modelling.
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Periodically driven oscillators. Coupled dynamical systems. Synchronization.
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Spatiotemporal nonlinear dynamics. Numerical differentiation of partial differential equations. Spatiotemporal chaos.
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Linear continuation (traditional bifurcation analysis). Linear continuation of limit cycles and connecting orbits.
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Non-autonomous dynamical systems. Critical transitions, tipping points. Tipping points in the real world, in climate and ecology.
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Parameter sensitivity. Important system parameters. Fitting parameters to observed data. Data assimilation.
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Natural measures. Conservative dynamical systems. Billiards.
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Recurrences. Extreme events. Identifying and analysing extremes in timeseries data.
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 33 | Guided Independent Study | 117 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
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Category |
Hours of study time |
Description |
Scheduled learning and teaching activity |
18 |
Lectures |
Scheduled learning and teaching activity |
15 |
Computer lab sessions for work on problems |
Guided independent study |
87 |
Independent work on problems |
Guided independent study |
30 |
Study of notes and wider reading |
Form of Assessment |
Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) |
ILOs Assessed |
Feedback Method |
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N/A |
|
|
Coursework | 100 | Written Exams | 0 | Practical Exams | 0 |
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Form of Assessment |
% of credit |
Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length |
ILOs assessed |
Feedback method |
Coursework 1 |
33 |
4 weeks (~16 hours of study) |
1-4 |
Ongoing during lab sessions, written after marking |
Coursework 2 |
33 |
4 weeks (~16 hours of study) |
1-4 |
Ongoing during lab sessions, written after marking |
Coursework 3 |
34 |
4 weeks (~16 hours of study) |
1-5 |
Ongoing during lab sessions, written after marking |
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Time scale for re-assessment | Feedback method |
Coursework 1 | Coursework 1 (4 weeks (~16 hours of study), 33%) | 1-4 | Referral/deferral period | Ongoing during lab sessions, written after marking |
Coursework 2 | Coursework 2 (4 weeks (~16 hours of study), 33%) | 1-4 | Referral/deferral period | Ongoing during lab sessions, written after marking |
Coursework 3 | Coursework 3 (4 weeks (~16 hours of study), 34%) | 1-5 | Referral/deferral period | Ongoing during lab sessions, written after marking |
Reassessment will be by coursework in the failed or deferred element only.
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment, you will be expected to complete relevant deferred assessments as determined by the Mitigation Committee. The mark given for re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to undertake re-assessments as described in the table above for any of the original assessments that you failed. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading:
- Introduction to Julia workshop: Julia Zero2Hero
- https://github.com/Datseris/Zero2Hero-JuliaWorkshop
Other resources:
- G. Datseris & U. Parlitz, Nonlinear Dynamics, Springer-Nature: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-91032-7
- S. Strogatz, Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos, CRC Press: https://www.stevenstrogatz.com/books/nonlinear-dynamics-and-chaos-with-applications-to-physics-biology-chemistry-and-engineering
- G. Datseris, DynamicalSystems.jl, online documentation: https://juliadynamics.github.io/DynamicalSystemsDocs.jl/dynamicalsystems/dev/
Reading list for this module:
CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
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PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | MTH2005, MTH1003 |
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CO-REQUISITE MODULES |
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 6 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
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ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 10th July 2018 | LAST REVISION DATE | Monday 24th March 2025 |
KEY WORDS SEARCH | None Defined |
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Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.