Course Outline

Faculty of Science and Technology

Course Number: MATH 4502

Course Title: Special Topics (Partial Differential Equations)

Course Instructor: Anthony Bautista

Program: BMAT

Credits: 3

Section: I

Semester: 2016-2

Class Meeting Times: TuTh 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Class Venue: Belmopan JAG-U1

Pre-requisites: MATH 4201

Co-requisites: None

Field trip(s): ( ) Yes (√ )No

Office Location: Manatee Room 4

Office Hours: MW 3:00 pm-4:00pm

(Consultation Hours)

Telephone: Office: 822-1000 Ext. 424

E-Mail Address: abautista@ub.edu.bz

Resources
Required Text: Haberman, R. (2012). 5th Editions Applied Partial Differential
Equations with Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems
Physics. Pearson Publishing.
Recommended text: (1)Butkov, M. (1968)(1st Edition).Mathematical Physics.
Addison- Wesley Publishing Company

(2)Boas, M.L. (2006) (3rd Edition). Mathematical Methods in the

Physical
Sciences. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will look at some of the different approaches used to solve
partial differential equations. Some of the most common partial differential equations used in the physical
sciences such as: Laplace’s equation, Poisson equations, Diffusion equation, and the Wave equation will be
discussed. Emphasis will be placed on Laplace’s equation because of its simplicity and on Schrodinger’s equation
because it is the foundation of quantum mechanics.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able:

1. Distinguish between ordinary differential equation and a partial differential equation

2. Convert a partial differential equation into several ordinary differential equations

3. Solve Laplace’s Equation for different boundary conditions in 1-dimension

4. Solve Laplace’s Equation for different boundary conditions in 2-dimensions

5. Solve Laplace’s Equation for different boundary conditions in 3-dimension

6. Solve Poisson’s Equation for a variety of conditions

7. Solve the Diffusion Equation for a variety of conditions

8. Solve the Wave Equation for a variety conditions

9. Solve partial differential equations by using Green’s Functions

10. Solve partial differential equations by using Fourier Transforms

11. Solve partial differential equations by using Laplace Transforms

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PROPOSED CLASS SCHEDULE (May Be Subject to Change)

Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Readings and Assignments Assessments

Strategies and Due dates
and Activities
Laplace Equation and Separation of Variables

Wk 1 Revision of ordinary Lectures and Read:

Jan.16 differential equations Discussions Textbook pg 352-358,361-
& 366
Jan. 18
Practice Hw: pg 358 #1-6
Pg 366 #1-6

Wk2 Laplace equation: 1- Lectures and Read: Text book pg 541- Hw1(Ordinar
Jan.23 dimension Discussions 543 y differential
& equations)
Jan.25
Jan 25th
Wk3 Laplace equation: 2- Lecture and Read: Textbook pg543-548
Jan.30 dimensions(Cartesian group work Practice Hw: pg 548 #1-2
&Feb1
and polar)
Wk4 Laplace equation: 3- Video Read: Textbook pg558-562 Hw2
Feb.6 dimensions(Cartesian presentation Practice Hw: pg562 #1-2 (Laplace
&Feb. and cylindrical) equation in 2-
8
dimensions)
Feb 8th
Wk 5 Laplace equation: 3- Lectures and Read: Textbook pg567-569 Test 1
Feb.13 dimensions group work Practice Hw:pg 569 #1-4 Feb 15th
& (Spherical
Feb.15
coordinates)
Other Partial Differential Equations(Poisson, Diffusion, and Wave Equation)

Wk6 Diffusion equation: 1 Video and Read: Hw3

Feb. spatial component class Recommended Txt2 (Diffusion
20 discussion Pg 21-24 equation)
& Feb 22nd
Feb.22

Wk7 Wave equation: Group work Read: Textbook pg554-557

Feb.27 On a string Practice Hw: pg 557 #1,2
&Mar
1

Wk8 Wave equation: Video, lecture, Read Textbook pg 564-566 Hw4

Mar.6 On a square membrane class work Practice Hw: #1 (Wave
&Mar. equation)
8 Mar. 8th

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 Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Readings and Assignments Assessments
Strategies and Due dates
and Activities
Wk9 Wave equation: Hw5
On a circular (Wave
Mar. membrane equation)
13 March 15th
&
March.
15

Wk10 Wave equation: Video lecture Read: Recommended Txt2 Test2

March. On a spherical object and class work Pg20-24 March 22nd
20 Practice hw: pg24 2.2
&
March.
22

Alternative Methods of Solving Partial Differential Equations

Wk11 Green’s Functions for Lecture, Read:

Mar. time-independent video, class Recommended Txt 2 pg 44-48
27 problems work Practice hw: pg 49 2.21,2.22
&
March
.29
Wk12 Green’s Functions for Video and Read: Hw6
Apr.3 Wave and Heat classwork Recommended Txt 2 pg 24-29 (Green’sFuncti
& Equations Practice hw: #2.4,2.6 on)
Apr.5 Apr. 5th
Wk13 Fourier Transform Lectures and Read:
April. Solutions of Partial Discussions Recommended Txt2 pg 60-64
10 Differential Equations Practice hw: # 2.28, 2.29
&

Apr.12

Wk14 Laplace Transform Video and Read: Hw7

April Solutions of Partial lecture Recommended Txt2 pg 50-59 (Transforms)
17 Differential Practice hw: 2.23,2.26 Apr. 19th
& Equations

Apr.19 Test 3
Apr. 19th
Wk15 Review Group
April discussions
24
&
April
26

4
 Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Readings and Assignments Assessments
Strategies and Due dates
and Activities
Wk 16 FINAL EXAM

COURSE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

The administration of student discipline in the university community is a responsibility shared by students,
faculty, and administrative staff. The University of Belize Academic Honesty Policy outlines the University’s
expectations for the integrity of student’s academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those
expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the process. All students are
expected to conform to the Academic Honesty Policy. Lecturers are expected to consult with academic
department chairpersons to prevent and respond to violations of the Academic Honesty Policy. Students wishing
to dispute a charge of academic dishonesty or a sanction made upon them because of such allegations can do so
by appealing to the Dean of Student Affairs to invoke the Discipline Appeals Process as detailed in the Student
Handbook. (Please visit www.ub.edu.bz for a full description of violations to the Academic Honesty Policy and
sanctions.)

CLASS POLICIES

1. CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all sessions, and to be on time. Students must
attend at least 80% of class sessions. Unexcused absences beyond this point may result in a reduction in
your grade. You must provide the necessary documentation for any other absences e.g. doctors certificate
if you are ill. You are expected to participate fully in class discussions and come to class prepared to
contribute to class discussions and group work. Because participation in class is imperative for success,
each student’s final grade will be positively or negatively affected based upon the number of class
sessions they attend. Absent students are responsible for obtaining class notes, handouts, and activities, as
well as any other pertinent information. Points lost due to absences can be made up only through extra
credit opportunities provided by the instructor.

2. PUNCTUALITY: Kindly make every effort to arrive on time to all sessions. Walking into a session late
is unprofessional and distracting to the rest your colleagues. If you will be late for any session, please
inform the instructor via an e-mail, telephone call, or text message.

3. PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS: In your fieldwork and/or class activities, you are expected to
conduct yourself in an ethical, legal, and professional manner.

4. READINGS: Readings will be assigned. You will be expected to attend the class session prepared to
discuss the readings from the required text and/or any additional readings assigned. The aim is to enhance
your understanding and skills related to these materials and to enable you to share your understanding
with class members.

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 5. WRITINGS: The ability to write clearly and effectively is essential to a profession. Written assignments
represent your best professional abilities and excellence. Assignments must be written in Standard
English. Written assignments should be legible and carefully proofread. Pages that are disorganized and
contain errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, or typing will receive reduced grades.

6. CELL PHONES: As courtesy to your classmates and instructor, please have cell phones turned off
throughout class time. If an urgent matter arises that requires you to have your cell phone on (on vibrate),
please inform the instructor before the session.

7. MISSED OR LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Students are expected to do all class assignments, and turn them
in on time. If prior approval for late assignment is not granted by the instructor, points will be deducted
from that assignment or the assignment will not be accepted. Assigned readings must be completed prior
to the class for which they are intended.

8. TECHNOLOGY: Students are required to utilize word processing programs to complete written
assignments. Internet and electronic mail systems will be used as needed to develop strategies, facilitate
class discussion, and enhance communication between professor and students.

GRADING SCALE
The final grade will be assigned in adherence with the University of Belize’s Grade Policy. Thus, final
grades will be computed using a combination of semester grades including home work assignments
(WHICH WILL BE GIVEN EVERY DAY BUT ONLY Specified problems and reflections and WILL
BE PLACED IN FOLDER), tests and quizzes (MAY BE ANNOUNCED OR NOT), and a final
examination (COMPREHENSIVE). The final letter grade will be assigned using the following
University Grading Scale:

95-100 A 80-84 B 65-69 D+

90-94 A- 75-79 C+ 60-64 D
85-89 B+ 70-74 C 0-59 F

CLASS ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENT:
Assignments(7) 25%
Tests(3) 45%
Final Exam 30%

TOTAL POINTS 100%

Tips for Success:

College level mathematics courses move at a fast pace. Most topics are dealt with in one class
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period. Lecturers expect students to study, read and perform the homework before the next class
meeting to be proficient and prepared for the next topic. Too often, homework is left for the last
minute and readings are untouched. This is a bad strategy for both the teacher and the student.
There are some good tips out there for success:

1. Set aside at least 2 hours a day to be spent on the class

2. If you do not understand a topic, get help immediately (Take advantage of resources) – texts,
lectures, students, internet, office hours.
3. Form a study group with other students from your class.
4. Learn to read the textbook – explanations, examples.
5. Take advantage of resources – texts, lecturers, students, help sessions, office hours, internet.