Dynamical systems: An introduction with applications in economics and biology

This book - perhaps the only of its kind - gives an all com-prehensive account of Dynamical Systems in a plainnontechnical language which is as rigorous as it can be madeat this introductory level. Starting from the first steps ofdifferential equations, on the assumption that readers onlyhave a modicus mathematical background, it quickly takesthem to nonlinear dynamical systems, Linearisation Theory, Limit Cycles, Gradient, Lagrangean and Hamiltonian DynamicalSystems as well as more advanced material such asBifurcation, Chaos, Catastrophes and Optimal DynamicalSystems. A chapter reviewing Linear Algebra makes the bookself-contained, and a chapter devoted to Applications inEconomics and Biology will improve readers' motivations.