The course aims at introducing students to the topic of mathematical
modeling of dynamic systems, the analysis of their responses and
stability properties and the problem of their control. Starting with
examples from physics, hydraulics, demography, electromagnetic, etc. it
will show how the mathematical models arising for systems of different
physical domains present similarities, or even coincide, and motivate the
opportunity of the development of a general systems theory for their
study. These models will be used to explain or predict the time evolution
of relevant variables and to analyze the stability properties of the system.
Wherever possible (linear models) this will be done analytically. On the
contrary, when this cannot be done (nonlinear models) numerical
simulations will be used. Finally, the student will be introduced to the
basic problems of multi-variable control of dynamical systems, the more
used control objectives and the limits of achievable performance.