Math 5587      Elementary Partial Differential Equations       Fall, 2007

Professor Peter J. Olver School of Mathematics Institute of Technology University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455	Vincent Hall 540 Phone: 612-624-5534 Fax: 612-626-2017 e-mail: olver@umn.edu http://www.math.umn.edu/~olver
Lectures:    T, Th 4:45-6:00pm     September 3-21:     Akerman Hall 319 After September 24:     Vincent Hall 6
Office Hours:   T 3:30-4:30, Th 1:15-2:30, or by appointment Not available September 10-21

Course Description:   Math 5587-8 is a year course that introduces the basics of partial differential equations, guided by applications in physics and engineering. Both analytical and numerical solution techniques will be discussed.

Prerequisites: Strong background in linear algebra, multi-variable calculus and ordinary differential equations (2000 level). Some mathematical sophistication. Other topics will be introduced as needed. Basic familiarity with a programming language (Matlab or Mathematica preferrred) is required for numerical work.

Text:      The course will be based on the professor's typed lecture notes, which are available online and at Alpha Print, 1407 4th St. SE, in Dinkytown, 612-379-8535.    I hope to cover at chapters 1-6 in the fall semester.

Supplementary Texts:

• Richard Haberman, Elementary Applied Partial Differential Equations, Third Edition, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 1998.
• Jack Kevorkian, Partial Differential Equations: Analytical Solution Technique, Springer-Verlag, New York, 2000.
• Robert C. McOwen, Partial Differential Equations: Methods and Applications, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 1996.
• Walter A. Strauss, Partial Differential Equations: an Introduction, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1992.

Homework:  

• Homework Assignment #1
• Homework Assignment #2
• Homework Assignment #3
• Homework Assignment #4
• Homework Assignment #5
• Homework Assignment #6
• Homework Assignment #7
• Homework Assignment #8

Hour Exams:   There will be two midterm exams. Make-up exams will only be given in exceptional circumstances, and then only when notice is given to me before hand and a suitable written excuse forthcoming.

Second Midterm:    Thursday, November 29: will cover chapters 3 & 4.

Final Exam:   Thursday, December 13, 4:45 - 6:45. In the usual classroom: Vincent Hall 6.

Grading:

• Homework 30%
• Hour Exams 20% each
• Final Exam 30%

Incompletes:   Only given in extreme circumstances, and only when the student has satisfactorily completed all but a small portion of the work in the course. Students must make prior arrangements with the professor well before the end of the quarter.

Grading Standards and Student Conduct:   Students are expected to be familiar with University of Minnesota policies on grading standards and student conduct, including the consequences for students who violate standards of academic honesty.