Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module MATH3291: PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS III

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH3291: PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS III

Type	Open	Level	3	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2012/13	Module Cap	None.	Location	Durham

Prerequisites

Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031) and one extra 20 credit Level 2 mathematics module; alternatively Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031) and Core Mathematics B1 (if taken in Year 2).

Corequisites

One 20 credit Level 3 mathematics module.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Partial Differential Equations IV (MATH4041)

Aims

To develop a basic understanding of the theory and methods of solution for Partial Differential Equations.
To develop a basic understanding of the ideas of approximate (numerical) solution to certain Partial Differential Equations.

Content

First order equations and characteristics. Conservation laws.
Systems of first-order equations, conservation law and Riemann invariants.
Hyperbolic systems and discontinuous derivatives. Acceleration waves.
Classification of general second order quasi-linear equations and reduction to standard form for each type (elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic).
Energy methods for parabolic equations. Well-posedness.
Maximum principles for parabolic equations.
Finite difference solution to parabolic and elliptic equations.
Stability and convergence for solution to finite difference equations.
Iterative methods of solving Ax=b.

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 hyperbolic equations and systems.
classification of second order PDEs, and their solution;
maximum principles for parabolic equation;
energy estimates for a parabolic equation;
finite difference methods for PDEs.

Subject-specific Skills:

Students will have highly specialized and advanced mathematical skills in the following areas: Modelling, Numerical Mathematics.

Key Skills:

Students will have an appreciation of Partial Differential Equations in the real world and how to solve them.

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.
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

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	40	2 per week for 19 weeks and 2 in term 3	1 hour	40
Preparation and Reading				160
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
written examination	3 hours	100%

Formative Assessment:

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

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University