Courses in Dynamical Systems
At Boston University
MA 226 Ordinary Differential Equations
A sophomore level differential equations course taught from
a modern perspective using ideas from dynamical systems theory.
This course has been developed at Boston Univesity as part of the
BU Differential Equations Project.
Prerequisites: calculus. Offered each term.
A course in discrete dynamical systems taught at the sophomore-junior level.
MA 671 is available for graduate credit for students from outside of
the Mathematics Department. Prerequisites: calculus.
Offered most years in Fall.
MA 561 Methods of Applied Math I
This is an introduction to PDEs, taught at the advanced
undergraduate/beginning graduate level. Topics can vary by
instructor, but it typically covers the derivation and analysis of the
classical equations of mathematical physics: heat equation, wave equation, and
potential equation; initial and boundary value problems; the method of separation of
variables; eigenvalue problems; eigenfunction expansions; and Fourier
analysis. It is typically offered each fall. Prerequisites: MA 226 or MA 231.
MA 562 Methods of Applied Math II
This course covers further topics in PDEs, building on MA 561. Topics vary by
instructor, but have included topics such as calculus of variations,
first-order non-linear partial differential equations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory,
Rayleigh-Ritz procedure, and perturbation methods. It is typically offered each spring. Prerequisites: MA 561.
MA 565 Mathematical Models in the Life Sciences
An introduction to mathematical modeling, using applications in the biological
sciences. Mathematics includes linear difference and differential equations,
and an introduction to nonlinear phenomena and qualitative methods. An
elementary knowledge of differential equations and linear algebra is assumed.
Prerequisites: MA 226 or MA 231.
MA 573 Qualitative Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations
A course in continuous time dynamical systems, taught at the advanced
undergraduate/beginning graduate level. It typically covers topics such as
eigenvalues, eigenvectors, Jordan normal forms. Linear systems of differential
equations, Phase portrait, Hamiltonian systems, stability theory. Applications
to systems arising in mechanics, economics, ecology, electrical circuit
theory, etc. It is typically offered in the fall. Prerequisites: MA 226 or MA 231, and MA 242 or MA 442.
MA 579 Numerical Methods for Biological Sciences
Introduction to the use of numerical methods for studying mathematical models
of biological systems. Emphasis on the development of these methods;
understanding their accuracy, performance, and stability; and their
application to the study of biological systems.
Prerequisites: MA 226 or MA 231, and elementary knowledge of linear algebra.
MA 771 Discrete Dynamical Systems
A course in discrete dynamical systems taught at the graduate level. Topics
typically include diffeomorphisms and flows; periodic points, nonwandering
points, and recurrent points; hyperbolicity, topological conjugacy, and
structural stability; stable manifold theorem; symbolic dynamics; Axiom A and
chaotic systems. Prerequisites: linear algebra, real analysis.
MA 775 Ordinary Differential Equations
A advanced course in continuous time dynamical systems taught at the
beginning graduate level. Topics typically include stable and center manifolds
theorem, linearization of vector fields, variational equations, Floquet theory
and Poincare; maps for periodic orbits, bifurcation of rest points, averaging
theory, topics from singular perturbations, Hamiltonian systems, non-linear
oscillations, normal forms, and applications. Prerequisites: linear algebra, real analysis.
MA 776 Partial Differential Equations
An introduction to PDEs taught at the beginning graduate level. Topics
typically include linear hyperbolic, elliptic, and parabolic equations;
conservation laws and the method of characteristics, Sobolev spaces, and
Fourier techniques. Prerequisites: MA 711 (graduate real analysis).
MA 871 and MA 872 Seminars in Dynamical Systems
This course covers advanced topics in dynamical systems. Topics vary from
term to term and are typically choses based on the interests of the students
and the faculty member who is teaching the course in any given semester.
MA 876 Seminar in Partial Differential Equations
This course covers advanced topics in partial differential equations. Topics vary from
term to term and are typically choses based on the interests of the students
and the faculty member who is teaching the course in any given semester.
There are several other courses that may be of interest, such as MA 777,
Multiscale Analysis, and MA 861, Numerical Methods for PDEs, which will become
a regularly offerred 700-level course soon. Note that math graduate students can get course credit for any course numbered
500 or higher (except MA 671). Prerequisites are strong suggestions;
alternatively students may obtain the consent of the instructor to take a
course. For a complete list of math department course information, including current semester course offerings, please go here.
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