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2026-2027 / PHYS0939-2

Physics of non-linearities, chaos and fractals

Duration

15h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in physics, research focus4 crédits 
 Master in physics, teaching focus (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)4 crédits 
 Master in physics, professional focus in medical radiophysics4 crédits 
 Master of education, Section 4: Physics5 crédits 

Lecturer

Nicolas Vandewalle

Substitute(s)

Megan Delens

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This lecture builds on the Bachelor's course in Statistical Physics. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of non-equilibrium physics and dissipative systems through the concepts of nonlinearity, bifurcations, chaos, and strange attractors.

The course includes numerical simulations illustrating the main phenomena discussed, including the logistic map, bifurcation cascades, and predator-prey systems.

Cellular automata are also introduced as simple models of complex dynamical systems, illustrating how collective behaviors can emerge from local rules.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The main objective of the lecture is to provide students with the concepts and tools needed to understand nonlinear physics.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basics on Statistical Physics.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Numerical simulations.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The lecture starts in february.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

PDF files available on eCampus (slides)

 

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

Exam based on a student project on a numerical work.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Nicolas Vandewalle, Full Professor
04/366.3703
nvandewalle@uliege.be

Megan Delens, Maitre de Conférence
Megan.Delens@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs