MA534 - Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

Hours: Class: T,TH 1:30PM-2:45PM, HA 330.

Instructor:

Dr. Alina Chertock
Office: HA 212
Phone: 515-3200
Office hours: T TH 11:00AM - 12:00PM (or by appointment)
E-mail: chertock@math.ncsu.edu

Homepage: http://www.math.ncsu.edu/~acherto/NCSU/MA534/Fal2007/534.html

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: An Introduction to Partial Differential Equations by Y. Pinchover and J. Rubinstein, Cambridge University Press, 2005.

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:
Final Exam: December 18, 2007, 1:00PM-4:00PM.

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.)

Notifications: Students will be notified in class or via email of announcements associated with this course. The email address registered with the NCSU online directory will be used for this purpose. It is the student's responsibility to maintain a valid email address and check the email sent to it.

Policy on Attendance, Excused Absences, Missed Work.

NCSU policy, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is at NCSU policy, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is at this link.

Academic Integrity Statement.

Students are required to follow NCSU policy available at www.ncsu.edu/provost/academi c_regulations/integrity/reg.htm. "Academic dishonesty is the giving, taking, or presenting of information or material by a student that unethically or fraudulently aids oneself or another on any work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of academic requirements or the enhancement of that student's record or academic career." (NCSU Code of Student Conduct)

The Student Affairs web site has more information (http://www.ncsu.edu/student_af fairs/osc/AIpage/acaintegrity.html).

Utilization implication of the Honor Pledge.

"I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment."

Expectations concerning honesty in the completion of test and assignments.

This has been outlined above

Students with Disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation.

Further Information:

NCSU Academic Regulations can be found at www2.ncsu.edu/unity /project/www/ncsu/provost/info/academic_policies/