A partial differential equation (PDE) is a differential equation that contains an unknown function and its partial derivatives. PDEs are used to describe a wide range of natural processes. Examples include fluid mechanics, elasticity theory, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc. PDEs also play an important role in other areas of mathematics such as analysis and differential geometry.
The aim of this module is to give an introduction to the basic properties of PDEs and to the basic analytical techniques to solve them.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module students should
be able to determine the type of a second order PDE
be able to solve simplest first order PDEs
understand what are well-posed initial (and/or boundary) value problems for classical PDEs such as the wave equation, the Laplace equation and the heat (diffusion) equation
know basic analytical techniques for solving the above classical equations
Module content
Syllabus
Introduction: what is a PDE, first-order linear PDEs, initial and boundary conditions, well-posed problems, types of second-order PDEs.
Wave equation: d'Alembert’s formula, causality and energy, reflection of waves.
Heat (diffusion) equation: maximum principle, heat equation on the whole line and on the half-line
Laplace equation: maximum principle, Poisson’s formula, rectangular domain
Academic and graduate skills
Academic skills: the techniques taught are used in many areas of pure and applied mathematics.
Graduate skills: through lectures, examples, classes, students will develop their ability to assimilate, process and engage with new material quickly and efficiently. They develop problem solving-skills and learn how to apply techniques to unseen problems.
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Online Exam Partial Differential Equations I
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Online Exam Partial Differential Equations I
N/A
100
Module feedback
Current Department policy on feedback is available in the undergraduate student handbook. Coursework and examinations will be marked and returned in accordance with this policy.
Indicative reading
W.A.Strauss, Partial Differential Equations. An Introduction. John Wiley & Sons. 1992.