Joseph M. Mahaffy SDSU
Math 531: Partial Differential Equations Spring 2023
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Course Information for Math 531

Course Description

This course introduces students to partial differential equations. Computers are used for modeling examples with MatLab, Maple, and Excel, being the primary computer tools demonstrated.

Details of the course and timelines are available on the HW Assignment page.

Math 531 - Spring 2023

Joseph Mahaffy
Professor Emeritus, Mathematical Biology
Lectures: MW 14:00-15:15 in GMCS 307 Office phone: 619-594-3743
Office Hours: MW 1:15-2,3:15-3:45 in GMCS 593
and by Appointment
Fax: 619-594-6746
Office location: GMCS 593 E-mail: jmahaffy@sdsu.edu


Prerequisites

Math 252, 254, and 337 (or equivalent)

  1. Math 252: Calculus III
    • Series and Integration of Trigonometric Functions
    • Vectors, Partial derivatives, and Gradients
    • Divergence Theorem or Gauss's Theorem
    • Multivariable Integration
  2. Math 254: Linear Algebra
    • Linear Independence
    • Orthogonality
    • Eigenvalues
  3. Math 337: Ordinary Differential Equations
    • Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions of ODEs
    • Solutions of Second Order Linear Differential Equations
    • Solving Non-homogeneous ODEs
    • Series Solutions of ODEs
    • Laplace Transforms for Solving ODEs

Textbook

Haberman: Applied Partial Differential Equations with Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems

(Either the 4th or 5th Edition should be fine.)

or Haberman

See Lecture Notes

Lab Manual (MatLab and Maple) and Lab Manual (Excel and Maple) are being developed with much of the first part completed and online.

Course Assessment and Grading -See Syllabus

  • Grading:
    • Homework assignments, including WeBWorK (40%)
    • 2 Midterms (40%) (likely both in-class and Take-Home exams)
    • Final (20%) (possibly only a Take-Home final)

The grade divisions are typically 85-100 is an A, 73-85 is a B, 62-73 is a C, 50-62 is a D, and below 50 is an F with + or - assigned near the boundary (within 3%).

The Syllabus has details on course policies.

For questions concerning the webpage contact Joseph Mahaffy.

 

 

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