Physics: Chaos for Science and Technology

This course introduces you to chaos theory and nonlinear systems – giving you the tools to understand phenomena that are surprisingly both deterministic yet unpredictable over time. You will learn to analyse complex systems using mathematics and concepts such as fractal geometry, phase space, Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré sections.

The course explores how chaotic behaviour arises in both discrete and continuous systems, with applications in physics, biology, economics and engineering. You will gain insight into why some systems are highly sensitive to initial conditions and how this affects their long-term behavior. One example is the potential instability of parasite and prey populations or of the solar system over long timescales.

The course combines theory with computational applications to approach a problem from different angles in order to understand and interpret chaotic phenomena. It can be taken as part of a master’s programme in physics or as a stand-alone course.

Teaching consists of lectures and a group project. You will learn to identify chaotic behaviour, analyse nonlinear systems, and apply relevant methods.

The project allows you to explore a chosen topic in more depth and independence, under the guidance of a teacher. Propose and investigate different chaotic phenomena, such as physics, biology or economics, use computational tools to characterize complex behaviours, and present your findings in a written report. In this way, the course is designed to give you both theoretical understanding and practical skills for working with complex and chaotic systems.

The assessment is based on a written exam and the project report. To pass the course, active participation in the project is required.

Prerequisites

To be admitted to the course, students must have 75 credits in science studies and 45 credits in mathematics, including knowledge corresponding to MATB21 Multivariate Analysis 1, 7.5 credits and English 6/B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 23,125
First payment: SEK 23,125

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.