2010/11 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MATH1970 Differential Equations

10 Credits Class Size: 200

Module manager: Professor S Falle
Email: sam@maths.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2010/11

Pre-requisites

MATH1960 Calculus

Mutually Exclusive

MATH1400 Modelling with Differential Equations
MATH1410 Modelling Force and Motion
MATH1460 Mathematics for Geophysical Sciences 1
MATH1932 Calculus, ODEs and Several-Variable Calculus

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Differential equations provide a powerful mathematical method for modelling physical, chemical and biological phenomena. This introduction to the theory of differential equations cover basic methods for solving ordinary differential equations, that is, equations in which the functions depend on a single variable.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) solve a variety of first-and second-order differential equations
b) derive and solve ODEs arising from applications.

Syllabus

1. Introduction. Basic definitions, examples. Geometrical interpretation. Graphical and numerical solutions.
2. First order ordinary differential equations: Linear equations, separable equations. Homogeneous equations, Bernoulli equation. Change of variables. Exact equations.
3. Second order linear ordinary differential equations. Equations with constant coefficients. equations with non-constant coefficients. Homogeneous equations: principle of superposition, solution space, basis, Wronskians, Abel's identity. Method of reduction of order. Inhomogeneous equations, methods of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters.
4. Systems of linear ordinary differential equations: Homogeneous solutions. Fundamental solution matrix. Wronskians. Inhomogeneous systems. Variation of parameters.
5. Phase plane methods: Introduction. Critical points. Stability. Matrix exponential.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 22 1 22
Tutorial 5 1 5
Private study hours 73
Total Contact hours 27
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular example sheets.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment . 20
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 20

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins 80
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 80

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/1/2011

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team