Nonlinear Dynamics & Chaos: Is It Possible to Jump In Mid-Book?

[Feynman's fan]

Here is the table of contents of Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos (by Strogatz)

1. Overview
2. Flows on the Line
3. Bifurcations
4. Flows on the Circle
5. Linear Systems
6. Phase Plane
7. Limit Cycles
8. Bifurcations Revisited
9. Lorenz Equations
10. One-Dimensional Maps
11. Fractals
12. Strange Attractors

Last quarter, there was a course at my school that covered charters 1-7. I couldn't take the course because of a schedule overlap. This quarter, the follow up course is offered that will cover the rest of the book.

Would it be a bad idea to jump in? To what extend is the material in 1-7 a prerequisite to 8-12? Would it be possible to look up things as they show up without investing time equivalent to taking the first course?

 

[The Bill]

This is one of my favorite texts to read and to recommend. I'd say that understanding the first half us required, but a first course shouldn't be strictly necessary. Reading the first half and working out the problems you find interesting or difficult should suffice. Also, there is a lecture series on YouTube of Dr Strogatz himself teaching a course with his text: