MTH 270 Chaos and Fractals
Examines the mathematics behind two fascinating and inter-related topics, fractals and chaos. Chaos and fractals are components of dynamics, a subject that studies how systems change over time. Through computer experimentation and simulations, students will experience how new mathematics is developed. Topics covered include fractals: feedback and the iterator; classical fractals and self-similarity; length, area, and dimension; fractals with a random component; recursive structures including L-systems; attractors; deterministic chaos; fixed points, stable and unstable; and the period-doubling route to chaos.