A First Course in Dynamics: with a Panorama of Recent Developments

The theory of dynamical systems has given rise to the vast new area variously called applied dynamics, nonlinear science, or chaos theory. This introductory text covers the central topological and probabilistic notions in dynamics ranging from Newtonian mechanics to coding theory. The only prerequisite is a basic undergraduate analysis course. The authors use a progression of examples to present the concepts and tools for describing asymptotic behavior in dynamical systems, gradually increasing the level of complexity. Subjects include contractions, logistic maps, equidistribution, symbolic dynamics, mechanics, hyperbolic dynamics, strange attractors, twist maps, and KAM-theory.

The theory of dynamical systems is a major mathematical discipline closely intertwined with all main areas of mathematics. Its concepts, methods and paradigms have greatly stimulated research in many sciences and given rise to the vast new area variously called applied dynamics, nonlinear science, or chaos theory. This elegant introduction to the subject combines mathematical rigor with copious examples of important applications, covering topics ranging from Newtonian mechanics to coding theory. It will be a valuable first textbook for senior undergraduate and beginning graduate students of mathematics, physics, and engineering.