MA3DS-Dynamical Systems

Module Provider: Mathematics and Statistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: MA2DE Differential Equations or MA2DE2NU Differentiable Equations II
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MA4DS Dynamical Systems
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Peter Chamberlain
Email: p.g.chamberlain@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module addresses the geometric theory of planar dynamical systems.

Aims:
To develop an understanding of the elements of nonlinear differential equations and dynamical systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students are expected to be able to:

• analyse the structure of planar nonlinear dynamical systems;


• solve appropriate problems in nonlinear dynamics.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
The course addresses the geometric theory of planar dynamical systems. This is the study of non-linear differential equations where the simple techniques used in linear equations do not apply and some interesting techniques are used to obtain useful information about nonlinear systems by investigating related linear systems and synthesising the information obtained.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures supported by problem sheets

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	90
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
A number of exercise sheets, and one examination paper.

Formative assessment methods:
Problem sheets.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
One examination paper of 2 hours duration in August/September - the resit module mark will be the higher of the exam mark (100% exam) and the exam mark plus previous coursework marks (90% exam, 10% coursework).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022