MA534 - Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

Hours: Class: T,TH 11:45AM-1:00PM, HA 272.

Instructor:

Dr. Alina Chertock
Office: HA 212
Phone: 515-3200
Office hours: T TH 10:30AM - 11:30AM  (or by appointment)
E-mail: chertock@math.ncsu.edu

Preq: MA 425 or MA 511, MA 341
Coreq: MA 426 or 512

Syllabus:

• Linear first order equations, method of characteristics.
  
• Classification of second order equations.
  
• Solution techniques for the heat equation, wave equation and Laplace's equation.
  
• Maximum principles.
  
• Green's functions and fundamental solutions.

Textbook: Partial Differential Equations, An Introduction, W. A. Strauss, John Wiley Sons.

• I expect you to read sections of the textbook around the time of lectures and attempt homework from those sections. The textbook has additional examples and discussion that you will find helpful. Some test questions may resemble examples from the textbook.

Homework:

• Homework assignments will be handed out throughout the semester. You are strongly encouraged to work on these assignments. They are, however, for the training purposes only. Neither will they be collected, nor graded, nor taken into account when deriving the final grade. However, many homework problems, with or without slight modifications, will appear in tests (so will the examples that I work on in my lectures). Thus, it is absolutely imperative to work on each of the assigned problems. You are also encouraged to discuss homework with other students, or with me during office hours. You should be aware that the homework is intended for you to learn from the course; working on homework at least in part on your own will help you master the material, keep up with the course and prepare for tests.

Tests/exams: There will be three tests during the semester and a comprehensive final exam.

Tentative dates of tests: September 13, October 11, November 8.
Final Exam: December 6, 2005, 8:00AM-11:00AM.

Missed tests/exams:

• There will be no makeup tests/exams.
• If you miss a test/final exam without a valid excuse, a zero will be averaged into your grade.
• If you are forced to miss a test/final exam, an excuse from a doctor or other appropriate authorities must be presented.
• If the excuse is accepted, your other course work will be adjusted so that you will not be penalized.

Grading: Class tests - 60%, final examination - 40%.

Grading Scale: 86%-100%: A, 71%-85%: B, 61%-70%: C, 55%-60%: D, 55%: F (+ and - will also be used.)