Text: "Chaos under Control: the Art and Science
of Complexity'' by D.
Peak and
M. Frame,
W.H. Freeman and Company, 1994. Available from Booksmart, Oaks Plaza, 668
Glades Road.
The mathematics of fractal geometry and the science of chaos have recently
emerged from research laboratories and their computers into the public
consciousness. Not only have fractals and chaos captured the attention of
some of the finest contemporary mathematicians and scientists, but
painters, sculptors, composers, choreographers, film makers, economists,
writers, and physicians are now applying these new unifying paradigms to
their respective fields.
This course introduces fractal geometry and chaotic dynamics as new languages,
part of the interconnected web of mathematics, with power to
describe and simulate natural objects and dynamic processes.
Their applications and implications are examined in such diverse topics as
knowledge and uncertainty -- origins of noise and errors;
self-similarity in nature -- description and forgeries of natural objects;
and self-similarity in the visual arts, music, and literature.
Prerequisites: Familiarity with high school
algebra, a willingness to explore creative mathematics, and interest in
learning and applying a powerful visual mathematical language.
Requirements: In addition to the traditional
exams, quizzes, and problem sets, students will be expected to attend all
lectures and special computer lab sessions, use WWW to access course
related information, and complete a project or research paper relating the
course material to a field or problem of interest to the student.
Midterm exam: Wednesday March 4, 1998
Final exam / project: Friday April 24, 1998
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Last modified January 8, 1998, by Jonathan Klotzbach. Please
send your comments to
jklotzbach@earthlink.net
