MTH5118 Dynamical systems
Faculty of Science
MTH5118 Dynamical systems is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MTH5118
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH5118
No unit lists MTH5118 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Overview
The field of dynamical systems uses tools from topology and geometry to study systems that change over time and their long-term behaviour. It has applications in physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and economics. This unit will cover fundamental results in dynamical systems and introduce classical examples, stable and unstable manifold theory, uniform hyperbolicity, and other geometric tools. It will also cover basic techniques for numerically analysing dynamical systems.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Exam (24 hours take-home exam)Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify and analyse different types of dynamical behaviour, both chaotic and non-chaotic;
- 2
Prove results about dynamical systems using topological arguments and reasoning;
- 3
Investigate dynamical systems using numerical methods on a computer;
- 4
Apply dynamical systems theory to other areas of mathematics and the sciences;
- 5
Communicate mathematical ideas relating to dynamical systems in a clear, precise and rigorous manner.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions11 hours
- Seminars36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Three hours of seminars;
- One hours of applied sessions and
- Eight hours of independent study per week
Activity learning will occur during seminars to complement lecture style presentations.
In your standup applied classes you and your fellow students will work together in groups of 3-4, tackling mathematical problems while receiving guidance from your applied class leader. During these sessions, the focus will be on actively engaging with the problems and finding practical solutions. Additionally, in seminars more problem-based learning will complement lecture-style presentations.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Global Stability of Dynamical Systems by Michael Shub (Springer-Verlag 1986).
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Warwick Tucker
- Unit Coordinators
- Warwick Tucker
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH5118?
MTH5118 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MTH5118 offered?
In 2026, MTH5118 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does MTH5118 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.