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Unit of study_

MATH4078: PDEs and Applications

2024 unit information

The aim of this unit is to introduce some fundamental concepts of the theory of partial differential equations (PDEs) arising in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Finance. The focus is mainly on linear equations but some important examples of nonlinear equations and related phenomena re introduced as well. After an introductory lecture, we proceed with first-order PDEs and the method of characteristics. Here, we also nonlinear transport equations and shock waves are discussed. Then the theory of the elliptic equations is presented with an emphasis on eigenvalue problems and their application to solve parabolic and hyperbolic initial boundary-value problems. The Maximum principle and Harnack's inequality will be discussed and the theory of Green's functions.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations

Code MATH4078
Academic unit Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
[A mark of 65 or greater in 6cp from (MATH2X21 or MATH2X65 or MATH2067) and a mark of 65 or greater 6cp from (MATH2X22 or MATH2X61)] or [12cp from (MATH3061 or MATH3066 or MATH3063 or MATH3076 or MATH3961 or MATH3962 or MATH3963 or MATH3968 or MATH3969 or MATH3971 or MATH3974 or MATH3976 or MATH3977 or MATH3979)]
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
MATH3078 or MATH3978
Assumed knowledge:
? 
(MATH2X61 and MATH2X65) or (MATH2X21 and MATH2X22)

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. employ foundational techniques to analyze and solve a range of different types of partial differential equations
  • LO2. explain how classical PDEs are derived and their application in different types of problems
  • LO3. solve classical 2nd-order linear differential equations and apply appropriate boundary and initial conditions
  • LO4. apply the theory of orthogonal polynomials to solve a range of different PDEs
  • LO5. calculate solutions or perform analysis of classical nonlinear PDEs
  • LO6. synthesise solution methods and equations analysis to classify complex solutions of nonlinear PDEs
  • LO7. communicate mathematical analysis accurately, completely and correctly using algebraic, computational, or graphical methods

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.