Spring 2022

Fractal Geometry

Listed in: Mathematics and Statistics, as MATH-225

Faculty

Amanda L. Folsom (Section 01)

Description

This course is a mathematical treatment of fractal geometry, a field of mathematics partly developed by Benoit Mandelbrot (1924–2010) that continues to be actively researched in the present day. Fractal geometry is a mathematical examination of the concepts of self-similarity, fractals, and chaos, and their applications to the modeling of natural phenomena. In particular, we will develop the iterated function system (IFS) method for describing fractals, examine Julia sets, Mandelbrot sets, and study the concept of fractal dimension, among other things. Through the teaching of these concepts, the course will also lend itself to familiarizing students with some of the formalisms and rigor of mathematical proofs.

Requisite: MATH 211 or consent of the instructor. Limited to 35 students.  Professor Folsom.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Problem sets, In-class quizzes or exams, Take-home exams, Visual analysis, Use of computational software. Students with documented disabilities who will require accommodations in this course should be in consultation with Accessibility Services and reach out to the faculty member as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations can be made in a timely manner.

If Overenrolled: Priority to pre-registered Amherst students--seniors first, then a mix from other years based on lottery; 5-college students if space permits; must attend 1st class

Cost: $25 ?

Offerings

2023-24: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2016, Fall 2019, Spring 2022