Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - MATH 418 D100

Partial Differential Equations (3)

Class Number: 4513

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    (MATH 260 or MATH 310) and one of MATH 314, MATH 320, MATH 322, PHYS 384, all with a minimum grade of C-. An alternative to the above prerequisite is both of (MATH 252 or MATH 254) and (MATH 260 or MATH 310), both with grades of at least A-.

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.

COURSE DETAILS:

Note: this course is cross-listed with MATH 718.

Grading

  • Homework & Quizzes 30%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final 50%

NOTES:


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

REQUIRED READING:

Partial Differential Equations: A First Course
Rustum Choksi
American Mathematical Society, 2022


The AMS offers both a hard copy and an electronic textbook from the AMS Bookstore: https://bookstore.ams.org/amstext-54/.
 

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Final Examinations: Students are expected to remain available for the entire final examination period published in the Academic Calendar. Travel, employment, and other personal commitments should be planned accordingly. Such commitments do not normally constitute grounds for alternative examination arrangements.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.