This book is an outgrowth of a course developed at Stanford University over
the past five years. It is suitable as a self-contained textbook for second-level
undergraduates or for first-level graduate students in almost every field that
employs quantitative methods. As prerequisites, it is assumed that the student
may have had a first course in differential equations and a first course in linear
algebra or matrix analysis. These two subjects, however, are reviewed in
Chapters 2 and 3, insofar as they are required for later developments.
The objective of the book, simply stated, is to help one develop the ability
to analyze real dynamic phenomena and dynamic systems. This objective is
pursued through the presentation of three important aspects of dynamic
systems: A) the theory, which explores properties of mathematical representa-
representations of dynamic systems, B) example models, which demonstrate how concrete
situations can be translated into appropriate mathematical representations, and
C) applications, which illustrate the kinds of questions that might be posed in a
given situation, and how theory can help resolve these questions. Although the
highest priority is, appropriately, given to the orderly presentation of the
theory, significant samples of all three of these essential ingredients are
contained in the book.