Math 5588      Elementary Partial Differential Equations       Spring, 2012

Professor Peter J. Olver
School of Mathematics
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Vincent Hall 127
Phone: 612-625-5591
Fax: 612-626-2017
e-mail: olver@umn.edu
http://www.math.umn.edu/~olver
Lectures:    T, Th 4:45–6:00pm    Vincent Hall 311
Office Hours:   T 3:30–4:30, Th 11:00–12:00, or by appointment


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

Prerequisites: Math 5587 or equivalent. 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 lecture notes, which are available at Alpha Print, 1407 4th St. SE, in Dinkytown, 612-379-8535.    I intend to cover chapters 8-13 in the spring semester.

Homework:   Homework will be assigned periodically throughout the semester and collected for grading. The assigned problems should be regarded as the minimum required for mastery of the material. No late homework will be accepted.

Hour Exams:   There will be two midterm exams, dates to be announced later. Students will be allowed to bring one page of handwritten notes to the midterms. 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.

First Midterm:    Thursday, February 23:   Chapters 8 & 9.

Second Midterm:    Thursday, April 19:   Chapters 10 & 12.

Final Project/Exam:   Due:  Thursday, May 10, 4:00pm.

Grading:

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 semester.

Student Conduct:   Students are expected to be familiar with University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code, including the consequences for violatation of standards of academic honesty.


Supplementary Texts: