SYST 220:  Discrete Dynamic Systems Modeling

Fall 2006

Course Overview

Rajesh Ganesan

Systems Engineering and Operations Research

George Mason University

An important problem in engineering is to predict the behavior of systems that change in time.  Such systems are called dynamical systems.  This course introduces students to a set of mathematical methods used to model dynamical systems.  In particular, students will learn to:

·         Identify real world problems that can be modeled as dynamical systems.

·         Take such systems and translate them into mathematical models.

·         Predict the behavior of such systems using mathematical analysis and computation.

Students will use engineering mathematics as well as computers to simulate the behavior of dynamical systems and make predictions about the systems. This course focuses on discrete dynamical models.

 

Class Hours: Tue / Thu, 10:30 am - 11:45 am, S&T-I 206

Prerequisite:  Math 114

Instructor:      Rajesh Ganesan

                        rganesan@gmu.edu

                        703-993-1693

                        Science & Tech II, room 323

                        Office hours: Tue , Thu 1:00 to 2:00 PM

Reference book: James T. Sandefur, Discrete dynamical modeling, Oxford University Press, 1993. ISBN 0-19-508438-1

Class notes will be posted in advance on website http://classweb.gmu.edu/rganesan. Please print and bring them to class for better understanding of the lecture.

 

Course Syllabus:

1.      Introduction. Systems engineering. The use of models in Systems Engineering.  Introduction to dynamic modeling. 

2.      Introduction to modeling.  Converting real world problems into mathematical models.  Solutions and analysis using spreadsheets.  Various applications.  The cobweb model and stability.

3.      First order dynamic systems. Linear and nonlinear models.  Solutions and properties. Applications from linguistics, genetics, finance, and international competition.

4.      Probability and dynamical systems.  Elements of probability.  Simple Markov chains

5.      Dynamic systems with inputs.  Exponential terms.  Polynomial terms.  Fractal geometry.  Economic systems.

6.      Higher order linear systems.  National economic models. Oscillations and the vibrating string.

7.      Nonlinear dynamic systems.  Linearization; computational models.  Simulation. Population models; logistics models; predator-prey models.

8.       Markov chains.  Regular Markov chains.  Absorbing Markov chains.  Applications.  Simulation.

Student Evaluation Criteria

 

Homework assignments

20%

Group project

10%

Midterm 1

20%

Midterm 2

20%

Final exam

30%

 

Thu. Oct. 5

Midterm Exam 1

 

Tue. Nov. 21

Midterm Exam 2

Group project: 1 page progress report due

Thu. Dec. 14

10:30-1:15 PM

Final exam

Group project: final report due

Homework policy:

HW will be posted on the website http://classweb.gmu.edu/rganesan. Try to work them by yourself. Working in groups is permitted but you must make sure that you understand the problems before you turn them in. Each student must turn in their HW even if worked in groups. Please remember that if you haven’t learnt the HW problems you may not pass the exams and this will affect your final grade. All homeworks must be stapled and submitted on the due date prior to the beginning of the class. Late homework will be evaluated against 50% credit. Late beyond 2 weeks will receive no credit. Only 1 problem will be graded in every HW and the HW grade depends on submitting all assigned HWs and your approach to the problem that is graded.

 

Academic Policy:

All academic policies as given in the Honor System and code will be strictly followed. Visit URL

http://www.gmu.edu/catalog/apolicies/#Anchor12

 

Grades:

Letter grades will be decided as follows: 

97% and above –A+, 94-96%- A, 90-93% -A-, 86-89- B+, 83-85%-B, 80-82%-B-,  76-79%- C+, 73-75%- C, 70-72%-C-, 66-69%-D+, 63-65%-D, 60-62%-D-, at or below 59%-F

Exams will only be given at the predetermined dates. Early or late exam taking will not be allowed, except for very special cases.

 

Use of MS Excel is needed for some problems.         

One 8.5x11in. one sided formula sheet will be allowed in the midterm and the Final exam. The sheet must be submitted with the test.                                       

Please visit http://classweb.gmu.edu/rganesan to check for announcements, Hw problems, and solutions.

Please turn off your cell phones before class and do not use your cell phone during lecture. Feel free to walk out without distracting the class as and when needed.

FORMAT REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLECTED MATERIALS

 

Identification: all material handed in must have the following information in the UPPER  RIGHT -HAND CORNER; Name, last 4 digits of G #. Multiple pages MUST be stapled. Otherwise pages may get lost and the instructor and TA’s will not be responsible.

 

BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT SEMESTER!!