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Unit of study_
MATH3063: Nonlinear ODEs with Applications
2025 unit information
This unit of study is an introduction to the theory of systems of ordinary differential equations. Such systems model many types of phenomena in engineering, biology and the physical sciences. The emphasis will not be on finding explicit solutions, but instead on the qualitative features of these systems, such as stability, instability and oscillatory behaviour. The aim is to develop a good geometrical intuition into the behaviour of solutions to such systems. Some background in linear algebra, and familiarity with concepts such as limits and continuity, will be assumed. The applications in this unit are from biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering, including population dynamics, epidemics, chemical reactions, and simple mechanical systems.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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12 credit points of MATH2XXX units of study |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MATH3963 or MATH4063 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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MATH2061 or MATH2961 or [MATH2X21 and MATH2X22] |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. explain the principle of linear approximations to nonlinear systems and use this to analyse system behaviour close to steady states
- LO2. synthesise graphical information from nullclines and flow to construct qualitative phase plane solutions to problems in nonlinear systems
- LO3. demonstrate knowledge of the theory of existence and uniqueness, and the determination of stability of solutions of ordinary differential equations, including special cases such as Hamiltonian and gradient systems.
- LO4. interpret model results and evaluate and explain the limitations of models in representing real systems
- LO5. demonstrate a broad understanding the role of basic bifurcations in nonlinear systems by synthesising graphical, symbolic and computational information and evaluate the effect of parameter variation on observed model behaviour
- LO6. apply mathematical theory in novel and diverse applications.
Unit availability
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