Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - MATH 718 G100

Partial Differential Equations (3)

Class Number: 2818

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2020
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

First-order linear equations, the method of characteristics. The wave equation. Harmonic functions, the maximum principle, Green's functions. The heat equation. Distributions and transforms. Higher dimensional eigenvalue problems. An introduction to nonlinear equations. Burgers' equation and shock waves. Students may not take a 700 division course if it is being offered in conjunction with a 400 division course which they have taken previously.

COURSE DETAILS:



This course will be delivered online. You are expected to have access to a reliable internet connection. You will need a computer from which you can download course materials and activities and watch live and/or recorded lectures and participate in live tutorials or workshops.

You will need a camera to take photographs of your work. A phone is acceptable.


  • First-order linear equations, the method of characteristics
  • Propagation and the wave equation  
  • Fourier series and orthogonal expansions  
  • Harmonic functions, the maximum principle, Green's functions  
  • Diffusion and the heat equation  
  • Distributions and Fourier transforms  
  • As time permits: Higher-dimensional eigenvalue problems, an introduction to nonlinear equations, Burgers' equation and shock waves; calculus of variations

Note: this is a cross-listed course with MATH 718.
Students registered in MATH 718 will be required to submit extra written & computational/graphics problems based upon the lectures.

Grading

  • Homework (10 assignments weighted equally) 30%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final 50%

NOTES:

MATH 718 classes start in week 1 of the semester.

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks. Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Access to highspeed internet, webcam.

REQUIRED READING:

Partial Differential Equations: A First Course
Rustum Choksi

*Please note that the above material will be available through your SFU Canvas Container. No purchase required.*

RECOMMENDED READING:

Partial Differential Equations
Walter A. Strauss
2/E, Wiley

This eText is identical to the print version of the 2nd edition, should students wish to acquire a hard-copy.

ISBN: 9780470473184

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).