MAT 3105 Harmony of Partial Differential Equations

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

This course develops methods needed to apply the mathematics of partial differential equations. An understanding of their qualitative behaviour provides a structure for the analysis of wide ranging problems. The methods of systematic approximation introduced with Fourier series and power series. Computer algebra is a necessary tool of modern mathematics which is here introduced to perform routine tedious algebra. The application of conservation principles in mechanics enable the modelling of physical problems as partial differential equations.

SYNOPSIS:

This course establishes properties of the basic partial differential equations (PDEs) that arise commonly in applications such as the heat equation, the wave equation and Laplace's equation. It also develops the mathematical tools of Fourier transforms and special functions necessary to analyse such PDEs. The theory of infinite series is used to introduce special functions for solutions of ODEs and the general Sturm-Louiville theory. These methods are implemented in computer algebra. A modelling part introduces the use of partial differential equations to mathematically model the dynamics of cars, gases and blood. The analysis is based upon conservation principles, and also emphasises mathematical and physical interpretation. This course is offered only in even numbered years.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. use Fourier analysis to approximate periodic functions and to help solve differentail equations;
2. classify partial differential equations;
3. use separation of variables to solve basic partial differential equations;
4. construct speical functions needed to understand differential equations;
5. work with infinite series in one or many dimensions;
6. investigate the convergence of a Taylor series;
7. find approximate power series solutions of differential equations;
8. use computer packages to perform tedious algebraic manipulations;
9. appreciate the properites of the families of special functions engendered from differential equations;
10. use conservation principles to mathematically model one-dimensional dynamics of car traffic, gas and blood flow.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Access to computer or internet facilities for computer algebra

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Department of Mathematics and Computing CDROM SET 1, 2004 (available from the USQ Bookshop). This CD set contains course material, Windows and Linux Software relevant to this course offering only. For more information about the CD sets and their use, please refer to <http://www.sci.usq.edu.au/cdrom> and the course web site.

Some electronic resources for this course may be available via its home page: http://www.sci.usq.edu.au/courses/mat3105

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

For ONC offers only.

2.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to Examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items. Note: in our experience, students who do not achieve over 70% in assignments are unlikely to satisfactorily complete the examination.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   A final grade will be allocated as follows: raw marks for the assessments will be summed with weightings specified in the Assessment Details; performance demonstrated in the assessment items will be reviewed with reference to the course's objectives and a scaling decided; the scaled marks then determine the final grade.
6. Examination information:
   In an Open Examination, candidates may have access to any material during the examination except the following: electronic communication devices, bulky materials, devices requiring mains power and material likely to disturb other students.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.