Dynamical Systems: An Introduction with Applications in Economics and Biology

This book gives a comprehensive account of dynamical systems in non-technical language. Starting from the first steps of differential equations, on the assumption that readers only have a modest mathematical background, it quickly takes them to nonlinear dynamical systems, linearization theory, limit cycles, gradient, Lagrangean and Hamiltonian dynamical systems and more advanced material such as bifurcation, chaos, catastrophes and optimal dynamical systems. A chapter reviewing linear algebra makes the book self-contained, and a chapter devoted to applications in economics and biology will improve reader motivation.