This course introduces the basic mathematical techniques of fractal geometry for diverse applications. It will explain how these techniques apply to digital imaging, image compression, special effects, biological modeling, medical data representation and cryptography. The key ideas are introduced in an intuitive, hands-on manner, although all students are invited to sit in on the HPO option special lectures which will provide rigorous mathematical foundations.
Each student will be expected to select and complete a special project in one of the following areas: (i) 3D printing of fractal models ; (ii) fractal image magnification; (iii) fractal compression ; (iv) project chosen by the student with agreement from the lecturer. There will be one computer lab meeting each week.
Honours pathway option (HPO)
Students doing the HPO option will participate in an additional lecture each week. These may be related to the material in the basic course, but will be focused on exhibiting and understanding the general theory of Iterated Function Systems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Explain the basic concepts of fractal geometry; (LO1)
2. Be able to identify practical situations where fractal techniques may be applied; (LO2)
3. Be able to build a fractal application in a practical area such as digital imaging or biological modeling. (LO3)
4. (HPO only) Be able to prove basic theorems and solve problems in the area of Iterated Function Systems. (LO4)
Indicative Assessment
Assessment may be based on:
- Projects (25%; LO 1-3)
- Tutorials and Lab worksheets (25%; LO 1-3)
- 5 Assignments (25%l LO 1-3)
- Mid-term Exam (25%; LO 1-3)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
24 lectures and approx. 10 workshops. Plus 12 additional lectures for HPO
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Fractals Everywhere, by Michael F. Barnsley, Third Edition (2012, Dover).
Majors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3276 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8539 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |