Instructor Cesar Silva.
Office Bronfman Science Center 207. Phone 597-3092.
e-mail csilvawilliams.edu
Text Introduction to Fractals and Chaos, by Richard Crownover.
On Reserve Fractals Everywhere, by Michael Barnsley; An Eye for Fractals, by Michael McGuire.
Home Page http://hector.williams.edu/math/courses/math300/
T.A. Earle McCartney, x2887, Earle.P.McCartney@williams.edu. He will conduct review sessions at times to be scheduled.
Course Description
We will start with an introduction to the basic ideas of fractals (Chapters 1 and 2). Then we will develop the mathematics behind iterated function systems (Chapters 3 and 4). The final topics will include dimension (Chapter 5), complex dynamics and the Mandelbrot set (Chapter 8). Early in the course we will introduce the notion of dynamical systems and then briefly discuss chaos. There will be a lot of computer experimetation with various programs and resources which the students are expected to use to learn and discover properties of fractals.
Exams
One -hour exam, a 24-hour take home exam, a short in-class presentation and a project. First exam on Oct. 15. Second exam to be picked up Nov. 10 or Nov. 11.
Grading
Instructions for turning in Graded Homework
1. Write your name, the problem set number, the date submitted, and the problems you have selected to work on your own. 2. Attach additional sheets with staple or paper clip, but do not fold or crimp the corners. If neither clip nor staple is available, write your name on each sheet and hand them in loose. 3. You need not work the problems in order, but please label them clearly. If there are any problems you are not submitting, please write down their numbers on the cover sheet. 4. Show your work and give reasons for non-obvious steps. 5. Do not forget to acknowledge the people you have worked with at the end of each problem.
Honor Code
All work done on the exams is expected to be solely the work of each individual. On the take-home exam, only the text and the student's own class notes and homework solutions may be used. The first exam is closed book. The student may only consult the instructor during the exams. On the homework problems students are expected to work on their own but may consult with other students in all but one problem. Here only the text, the published solutions and the student's own class notes and homework solutions may be used.