Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics - An Introduction to Complex Systems Research

PHYCS421 UIUC

Section A: WMF 11-11:50 am (Call # 06440), Section B: MWF 10-10:50am (Call # 06441)
257 Loomis Lab

Instructor: Prof. Alfred W. Hubler, a-hubler@uiuc.edu, 244-5892 (w) 328-7701 (h), 417-5286 (cell)
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 11am-noon, 4-125 ESB

Teaching Assistant: Tim Wotherspoon, wothersp@uiuc.edu, 333-4803 (w), 766-4364 (cell)
Office Hour: Thursdays 2pm, 4-136 ESB



DLA cluster Simple Neural Network

This is a broad introduction to the study of complex systems as well as an introduction to some of the modern tools used to study the emergent, nonlinear, chaotic, and self-organized behavior found in complex adaptive systems. We will survey a variety of concepts and methods associated with (but not limited to):

• genetic algorithms  • fractals & fractal growth
• cellular automata• percolation
• nonlinear dynamics• solitons
• agent-based modeling• neural networks

In addition students receive a hands-on introduction in programing HTML, PERL, Perl examples and JAVA, code samples, code fragments, documentation, API documentation, Java workshop, Java template.

There is a homework assignment at most lectures.

The course grade is detetermined from homework (40%), three hour exams (10% each), and a final exam (30%). There is up to 10% extra credit for extra credit homework problems. There is up to 20% extra credit for a semester project. The semester project includes weekly meetings and a term paper. Topics for the semester project are listed here.

Prerequisites: This course welcomes all disciplines as the techniques taught are of general utility, but general mathematical comfort is assumed. In addition, some prior mild exposure to differential equations may be useful for limited portions of the course. We will implement a variety of simple but powerful models in class using Perl, Java, and HTML, but no prior programming experience is necessary. Advanced undergraduates are welcome with prior permission of the instructor. Physics 420 is not a required prerequisite to this class.

Please come to the UIUC Complex Systems Conference, May 17-20, 2004.

Visitors please use screenname guest with password guest.
Lecture Notes
Student Directories
Homework Overview
Equation Sheet
Recommended Books

Hour Exam and Final Exam Dates