Master Class in Mathematics


In the one-year-long Master Class, a current topic is studied intensively and profoundly at an advanced level. The Master Class can form a significant contribution to a PhD programme or preparation for one.

The programme runs from September through June and includes two full days of lectures and seminars per week and individual work on a test problem. The emphasis is on independent, individual effort, but contact with lecturers is personal and intensive. Lecturers give feedback using the work turned in by participants, as well as extensive exercise material. There is a weekly consultation hour for individual questions. Regular evaluation and testing guarantees the quality of the programme. 90% of the participants finish the class with successful results and get a certificate.

The 2005-2006 topic is:

FINITE AND INFINITE DIMENSIONAL DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS

Course information and time tables of the lectures can be found here.

The research area ``nonlinear dynamical systems'' covers all aspects of the evolution of systems that may, or may not, be spatially extended. Many connections exist to various areas of applications, such as life and earth sciences, physics, etcetera. This Master Class aims at presenting a unified view point for the study of finite and infinite dimensional systems, including partial differential equations and functional differential equations.

A central theme in the field of dynamical systems theory concerns the long term behavior of systems, in which the concept of (finite dimensional) attractor and inertial manifolds plays a key role. Attractors may represent orderly dynamics, such as quasi-periodic motion, or a traveling wave, but can also carry (spatio-temporal) chaotic dynamics. A second unifying theme between the study of finite and infinite dimensional systems is bifurcation theory, in which the transitions between various kinds of attractors are studied.

Apart from developing the mathematical theory, significant attention will be paid to the interactions between the theory and applications, and to the usage of numerical tools and methods for detection of bifurcations and the simulation of longtime dynamics.

For more information about the Master Class and about studying in the Netherlands, please see

the 2005/2006 brochure.

The Master Class aims at students in their last undergraduate year or recently graduated students (Master students, of beginning PhD students) that are interetsed in this subject. There will be a limited number of fellowships that the dutch Mathematical Research Institute will be able to offer. Participants needing financial support are advised to approach potential sponsors individually, through their own universities or international institutions, for example. Please take a look at: http://www.nuffic.nl/huygens/.

The final application deadline for the Master Class that commences on October 1 is:
April 1 for non EU-residents
May 1for EU-residents

To apply for the Master Class send the following documents to the secretariat of the MRI:

  • curriculum vitae (including the following details: first name, surname, date of birth, nationality, address, postal code, city, country, phone number, fax, email address)
  • academic record: list of subjects/classes taken at university, subjects for degree examination, photocopy of diploma (if available)
  • recommendations from members of the academic staff of the home university (at least one)
  • a summary of financial circumstances (if financial support is necessary).
The address of the secretariat of the MRI is: 
Pet Grondman (Secretary of the MRI)
Utrecht University
P.O.Box 80010
3508 TA  Utrecht
The Netherlands

Phone: +31-30-2531430
Fax: +31-30-2518394
e-mail: mri@math.uu.nl