Ordinary Differential Equations: From Calculus to Dynamical Systems

Techniques for studying ordinary differential equations (ODEs) have become part of the required toolkit for students in the applied sciences. This book presents a modern treatment of the material found in a first undergraduate course in ODEs. Standard analytical methods for first- and second-order equations are covered first, followed by numerical and graphical methods, and bifurcation theory. Higher dimensional theory follows next via a study of linear systems of first-order equations, including background material in matrix algebra. A phase plane analysis of two-dimensional nonlinear systems is a highlight, while an introduction to dynamical systems and an extension of bifurcation theory to cover systems of equations will be of particular interest to biologists. With an emphasis on real-world problems, this book is an ideal basis for an undergraduate course in engineering and applied sciences such as biology, or as a refresher for beginning graduate students in these areas.