MA 5733 Partial Differential Equations (Fall 2005)

Mon. and Wed. 5:30-6:45pm; CU 626

Lynn S. Bennethum

Office: CU 638, Phone  (303) 556-4810

Office hours: Mon. and  Wed. 4:30-5:30 in CU 638, or by appointment.

e-mail: lynn.bennethum@ cudenver.edu

home page: http://www-math.cudenver.edu/~bennethm

fax: (303)556-8550

home phone: (303) 683-6983 (Please call after 9am and before 9:30pm - I generally work at home on Fridays).


This course is a first year graduate course and is a first course in partial differential equations (PDE).   Some association between the physics and the equations, some theory as to the existence, uniqueness, and behavior of solutions, and solution techniques will be introduced. 

 Textbooks: Introduction to Partial Differenctial Equations with Applications by E. C. Zachmanoglou and D. W. Thoe, 1986, Dover:  This book is a good book from the mathematical point of view - it is a good overview of the overall mathematical framework, i.e. looking at a pde, what can one say about the solution?  Does it exist?  Is it unique?  What properties does the solution have?  However it is not strong on linking the equations with physics.  Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics and Integral Equations by R. B. Guenther and J. W. Lee, 1988, Dover:   This book motivates by physical problems, but consequently it is more difficult to see the mathematical coherence.

 

 Prerequisite: Ordinary Differential Equations (MATH 3200), Advanced Calculus (MATH 4320) or Graduate standing.   Generally what students have the most difficulty with is recalling material from third semester calculus (MATH 2421).   Some review is presented in the course.

 

Grading:  Homework, midterms, and the final will be weighted as follows:

·         Homework 100 pts

·         2 Midterms (100 pts each) 200 pts

·         Final Exam 150 pts

The weight of your lowest grade will be dropped by 50 pts (i.e. if your worst score is a midterm score, it will be worth half of the other midterm).   Thus the total number of points for the semester will be 400pts.

 

Homework: Homework is due every Wed. at the beginning of class. Late homework will be accepted but with a penalty of 1/3 the homework points for each class period late.

 

Midterms: Midterms will be in-class exams over the material covered in class.

 

Topics:   As time allows, we will cover Chapters 1 and 2 from Guenther and Lee, and Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 from Zachmanoglou and Thoe.  Other material from Guenther and Lee may be used as supplemental material.


Important Dates:

Aug. 25:  Last day to be added to the wait-list for a closed course.

Aug. 29-Sept. 7:  Students are responsible for verifying an accurate Fall 2005 registration via SMART
Sept. 1:  Last Day to:  Add courses using S.M.A.R.T. web registration system.  After this day, students need their instructor’s and dean’s approval to add a course.

Sept. 5: Labor Day. No classes.
Sept. 7: Last day to drop a course with tuition adjustment. After this date, dropping a course requires instructor’s signature.

Sept. 16:  Last day for CLAS students to add a Fall 2005 course (absolute deadline).
Oct. 31: After this date, no WITHDRAWLS unless very special circumstances are involved. Student needs instructor's signature, then needs to petition the dean of his/her college.
Nov. 21 - Nov. 27 : Fall break. No classes.

Dec. 12-17:  Final exams week.

 

Other Notes:

 

Incomplete grades (IW or IF):  Incomplete grades are not granted for low academic performance.  To be eligible for an Incomplete grade, students must (1) successfully complete 75 percent of the course, (2) have special circumstances (verification may be required) that preclude the student from attending class and completing graded assignments, and (3) make arrangements to complete missing assignments with the original instructor.  A CLAS Course Completion Agreement (available from the Department of Mathematics or CLAS Advising office, NC 2024) is strongly suggested.

 

CLAS students must always have an accurate mailing and e-mail address:  http://www.cudenver.edu/registrar

 

Students are responsible for completing financial arrangements with financial aid, family, scholarships, etc.