Nonlinear Differential Equations: Order and Chaos

Overview

Phenomena as diverse as the motion of the planets, the spread of a disease, and the oscillations of a suspension bridge are governed by differential equations. MATH226x is an introduction to the mathematical theory of ordinary differential equations. This course follows a modern dynamical systems approach to the subject. In particular, equations are analyzed using qualitative, numerical, and if possible, symbolic techniques.

MATH226 is essentially the edX equivalent of MA226, a one-semester course in ordinary differential equations taken by more than 500 students per year at Boston University. It is divided into three parts. MATH226.3x is the last part.

Taught by

Paul Blanchard

Reviews

4.3 rating, based on 7 Class Central reviews

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Keith P Mitchell, PE

I am a retired electrical engineer with a EE masters degree and a second ComSci masters degree. In this course, I have been reintroduced to many things that I was first exposed to in an EE non-linear control systems course many years ago, but with much more depth and clarity in understanding. This was a very good course for me as it really expanded my horizons and the detail to them.

I audit everything. I want to learn everything that I am interested in without the pressure for grades.
Gaetano Pagani

It was a really interesting class. I did on other platforms topics related to the study of dynamical systems involving nonlinear differential equations systems. The course digged deeper on the subject with an eye to the math and the appropriate tools in order to analyze the dynamics of some phenomena.
Bart

Perhaps 1 star less that part 1 and 2, because I felt that on the perhaps most interesting chapter of this third part, the Lorenz system, we could have spend more time and there weren't any assessment questions on this last section of the course. Fo…

Perhaps 1 star less that part 1 and 2, because I felt that on the perhaps most interesting chapter of this third part, the Lorenz system, we could have spend more time and there weren't any assessment questions on this last section of the course. For the rest the same high quality of the first 2 parts of which I copy my review down here. This part 3 was perhaps a little (but not too much) more challenging than part 1 and 2.

Excellent introduction to the subject in three parts. Next to techniques, the course also spends a lot of time on conceptual understanding and how/where differential arise in practice/physical applications.

The prof has relaxed and easy to follow lecturing style and the course staff in highly involved and helpful in the forum.

A little calculus (differentiation and some integration) background required, but the course is rather easy going.
Marat Minshin
Marina
Daniel Finol
Ghada

Taught by

Tags

Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra - Part 1

Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra - Part 2

Ordinary Differential Equations

Ordinary Differential Equations

Differential Equations Part I Basic Theory

Differential Equations Part III Systems of Equations

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