SYLLABUS
FLCC
CHAOS: The Self-Organizing Universe
SCI 137
Updated: June 5, 2000
By Sam Samanta

COURSE NAME : CHAOS: The Self-Organizing Universe

COURSE NUMBER: SCI 137 (4 Credits) (3 hrs lectures + 2 hrs labs)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Chaos/Self-Organizing Universe is an algebra-based introductory course, with three hours of class time and two hours of laboratory time per week, for one semester (approximately 15 weeks). Exposure to a high school or college physics course is not a prerequisite. The incoming students are expected to know algebra (high school algebra or GST 142). The course consists of an introduction to the concepts of self-similarity; fractals; order; disorder; chaos; and the causes of chaos. Also explored is the relevance of chaos theory in a multidisciplinary context, in fields such as the arts; communications; music; physical and biological sciences; physiology; evolution; biodiversity; and economics. Extensive use of computer modeling and graphing augments the understanding of concepts and analysis of the experimental measurements.

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
1) Demonstrate an ability to quantify certain features of general hierarchical systems.
2) Demonstrate intermediate ability in problem solving methodology.
3) Demonstrate proficiency in teamwork, including assessment of the learning process.
4) Demonstrate an ability to relate mathematics to physical reality and vice versa.
5) Assess the limitations of what they know, and be able to seek further knowledge pertinent to the subject matter.

Relationship of course goals to degree programs.

The primary audience for this course are students pursuing A.A. and A.S. degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. This course fulfills mathematics/science course requirement for many A.A.S. degrees.
A student should verify the appropriateness of this course for her/his program with her/his advisor.

Competencies addressed in this course:

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Mathematics
Reading Oral Communication
Assessing Teamwork
Writing Computer Literacy
Information Resources Global Concerns

1. Learning Units
2. Text: The Computational Beauty of Nature:
Computer Explorations of Fractals, Chaos, Complex Systems and Adaptation
by Gary William Flake (2000) Bradford Books
3. Scientific calculator, as specified by instructor. (MS Excel will be used to do all of the calculations and graphing.)
4. Supplementary material, as specified by instructor.

Lecture/Demonstrations, Discussions, Team Activities, Experiments, and Use of Computers

Activities will emphasize that students apply problem-solving techniques primarily in modeling, with critical thinking instead of rote memorization. The student will demonstrate intermediate abilities in use of these techniques individually as well as in teamwork, with and without the use of calculators and computers. The students must be able to identify parameters in context of the chaos theory to quantify behavior of hierarchical systems, and assess their own performance in modeling and other problem solving activities.

Assessment techniques will be used to enhance student learning, for assessing performance of both the students and the instructor on an ongoing basis. The items to be evaluated will include participation in on-line discussions; summaries of assigned articles; laboratory reports; learning unit assignments; quizzes and tests; projects and papers. . The current practice outlined below is subject to change depending on the instructor. The students are informed of the policies in the first week of the semester in writing.

Students must either call (716 394 3500 ext. 350) or send email (samantpg@mail.fingerlakes.edu) before missing class or lab, justifying their absence. You may be assigned Q grade if you are absent for more than a week without a valid reason. You will loose a letter grade for three unexcused absences - prorated based on number of unexcused absences.

15 % Lab work/report.
15 % Teamwork (in and outside class), and Assignments such as Learning Journals.
Teams must spend minimum 2 hours per week outside class/lab.
25% Paper & Presentation (Article Reviews, Outline, First Draft, Final Draft, and Presentation)
45% Tests (Each test grade is curved, so is the final grade for the course.)

Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at Finger Lakes Community College. Any violation of this policy will lead to a grade of F for the course. The college's policies on Academic Honesty and Dishonesty can be found in the FLCC catalog and in the Student Code of Conduct. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct for information regarding your rights and responsibilities in the classroom. These can be found in the Student Activities Center on the 2^nd floor.

Any student who has a documented learning or physical disability may be eligible to receive assistance form the college in completing the class assignments. If you have a disability, please contact me during the first week of class. Additional information regarding physical disabilities can be obtained by contacting the Student Health Center (extension 297) or the Developmental Studies Department for learning disability information (extension 392).

The course is parsed into the following Learning Units.

C1 Self-Similarity and Fractals
C1a: Fractals Everywhere
C1b: Graphical Iterations and Self-Similarity
Lab 01 Graphical Iterations and Self-Similarity

C2 Numerical Iterations
C2a: Numerical Iterations: Exponential Growth and Decay
C2b: Numerical Iterations: Steady State and Periodicity
Lab 02 Iterations: Growth, Decay, Steady State, and Periodic Behavior

C3 Deterministic Chaos
C3: Numerical Iterations: Chaos
Lab 03 Spreadsheet Iterations: Deterministic Chaos

C4 The Fractal Dimension
C6: Fractal Dimension
Lab 04 Fractal Dimensionality of Coastlines

C5 The Mandelbrot Set
C5: Infinite in Finite: The Mandelbrot Set
Lab 05 Understanding the Mandelbrot Set

C6 Chaos in Physics & Cellular Automata
C6a: Chaos in Pendulum and Celestial Mechanics
C6b: Chaos in Phase Transitions and Cellular Automata
C6c: Fractal Snowflakes and Chaos in Turbulence
Lab 06 Periodic and Chaotic Pendulum

C7 Chaos in Physical Sciences
C7a: Chaos in Chemistry: Chemical Clocks
C7b: Chaos in Atmosphere: Weather
C7c: Chaos in Geophysics: Earthquakes, Floods, Meteors
Lab 07 Chaos in Weather Forecasting: Blame the Forecaster?

C8 Self-Organized Criticality & Complexity
C8a: Dissipative Structures and Self-Organized Criticality
C8b: Complexity and Life at the Edge of Chaos
Lab 08 Bean Pile Avalanche Size Distribution

C9 Relation to Bio Sciences
C9a: Chaos in Biology and Biosphere
C9b: Chaos in Anatomy and Physiology
C9c: Chaos in Evolution and Morphogenesis
Lab 09 Fractal Dimensionality of Cauliflower and Broccoli

C10 Relation to Social Sciences
C10a: Chaos in Psychology
C10b: Self-Organized Economy
Lab 10 Chaos in Stock Market: Calculated Risks!

C11 Relation to Arts and Humanities
C11a: Chaos in Linguistics
C11b: Chaos in Noise and Music
C11c: Fractals and Chaos in Arts
Lab 11 Word Size Distribution

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