MT 4412: Partial Differential Equations

Overview: In this course you will be introduced to the exciting world of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). PDEs are used extensively in many fields such as physics, chemistry and economics. In this course we will see some examples of PDEs and learn some of the basic techniques used for solving them. We will see Parabolic, Hyperbolic and Elliptic PDEs, understand their different behavior, and the different ways to solve them. Using the techniques that we will learn we will be able to answer some interesting questions, such as:

Why a drum sounds different from a guitar string? (Check out this link for a nice animation of vibrating drums)

How soap bubbles look before you blow air into them?

Why is it so hot in the equator and cold in the north pole?

Lectures: MWF 11:00-11:50 in GASSON 302.

Instructor: Dubi Kelmer, Maloney Hall 526. Email address: dubi.kelmer@bc.edu

Office Hours: M 10-11 and WF 12-1.

I am very happy to answer your questions and to help you with the homework during these office hours. These times are always reserved for you and there is no need for an appointment. I am also available on other times by appointment. Please email me for one. I am always happy to work with students, so don't hesitate to contact me (email is also good for short questions).

Course Syllabus in PDF

Textbook: S.J. Farlow Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers

Grading: Homework 30%; Each midterm 20%; Final 30%.

Exams: Two in-class exams (Wed. Feb. 6 and Wed. Mar. 20) and one final exam (Sat. May 7).

Homework: There will be weekly homework assigned and collected every week, approximately.

HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DAY IT IS DUE!

Your homework must be typed in LATEX.

LaTeX resources:

Mac OSX:

Download MacTeX. For an introduction, see "Trying out TeX" and its links.

Windows: Download proTeXt and follow the installation instructions.

For more information see LaTeX manual (math symbols on page 60) and LaTeX Wiki Book

Homework problems:

• Problem set 1 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Jan 25 in class)
• Problem set 2 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Feb 1st in class)
• Problem set 3 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Feb 15 in class)
• Problem set 4 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Feb 22 in class)
• Problem set 5 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Mar 1st in class) >
• Problem set 6 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Mar 15st in class)
• Problem set 7 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Mon Apr 1st in class)
• Problem set 8 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Apr 5th in class)
• Problem set 9 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Fri Apr 12th in class)
• Problem set 10 in PDF with a TEX template (Due Mon Apr 29th in class)