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MATH41720: Partial Differential Equations

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

  • Analysis in Many Variables.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To develop an understanding of the theory and methods of solution for Partial Differential Equations.

Content

  • First order equations and characteristics.Conservation laws and their weak solutions.
  • Systems of first-order equations and Riemann invariants.
  • Hyperbolic systems and their weak solutions.
  • Classification of general second order PDEs.
  • Poisson,Laplace, Heat and Wave equations:existence and properties of solutions.
  • Reading material on one of the following topics: applications of PDEs, further theory of PDEs.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module students will:
  • be able to solve problems in Partial Differential Equations;
  • have an understanding of theoretical mathematics in the field of Partial Differential Equations;
  • have mastered a coherent body of knowledge of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas:
  • Solution of first order equations and systems.
  • Classification of second order PDEs, and their solutions.
  • have an advanced understanding in one of the following areas: applications of PDEs, further theory of PDEs

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Students will have highly specialised and advanced mathematical skills in the following areas: Modelling and Analysis of PDEs

Key Skills:

  • Students will have an appreciation of important Partial Differential Equations and their fundamental properties.
  • Students will be able to study independently to further their knowledge of an advanced topic.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Subject material assigned for independent study develops the ability to acquire knowledge and understanding without dependence on lectures.
  • Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
  • Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
  • The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures422 per week for 20 weeks and 2 in term 31 Hour42 
Problems Classes8four in each of terms 1 and 21 Hour8 
Preparation and Reading150 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written examination3 hours100 

Formative Assessment

Eight written or electronic assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.

More information

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