2087 Chaos 101
Instructor: Bill Junkin
Thursdays, October 30, November 6, 13, and 20, 4:00 - 5:30 pm
A fairly new science, Chaos Theory, is being developed to understand chaotic systems – that is, systems which may appear to be random but have definite patterns and characteristics. (An introduction to Chaos Theory is presented at the web site imho.com/grae/chaos/chaos.html.)
Join us as we study this theory that is being used to explore weather patterns, stock market fluctuations, the spread of epidemics, heart beat irregularities, turbulent fluids, unstable traffic patterns, and many other areas. In this course we will create fractals, find the Feigenbaum constant, learn when populations become unstable, and enjoy the beauty of the Mandlebrot set. The math requirements are minimal (nothing beyond 6th grade math), but an eagerness to learn is essential. There is no textbook, as handouts will be provided; however, the book Chaos: Making a New Science, by James Gleick, is excellent.
Location: Continuing Education Center
Member: $39; Non-member: $59
|
