The first part of the module aims to introduce students to first-order differential equations. Calculus techniques will be deployed to find simple solutions of such differential equations. In addition, students will be expected to develop an appreciation of how the solutions can be given a geometric interpretation, even when it is not possible to use calculus techniques to obtain solutions that can be written in a simple form.

The second part of the module is concerned with the solution of second-order differential equations. Manipulative techniques will be used to determine solutions of second-order differential equations for cases where the equation takes a specific and relatively simple form. There will also be some general discussion about the circumstances under which it is possible to know that there is a solution of a differential equation, even if a simple mathematical formula for the solution cannot be obtained.

• Obtain simple solutions of first-order differential equations.
• Geometrically interpret the solutions of first-order differential equations.
• Obtain solutions of second-order differential equations with constantcoefficients.
• Understand the general structure of solutions to second-order linear differential equations and appreciate the significance of existence and uniqueness for such solutions.

27 - 50 minute lectures

5 - 50 minute tutorial classes

Some handouts will be provided in hard copy or via Learning Central, but students will be expected to take notes of lectures.

Students are also expected to undertake at least 50 hours private study including preparation of worked solutions for tutorial classes.

Skills:
Solution methods for first-order and linear second-order differential equations.

Transferable Skills:
The ability to make meaningful use of integration and to determine an appropriate solution of a differential equation develops mathematical skills that can be deployed to tackle a wide variety of problems that are found in applications.

Formative assessment is by means of regular tutorial exercises.  Feedback to students on their solutions and their progress towards learning outcomes is provided during lectures and tutorial classes.  

The summative assessment is the written examination at the end of the module.  This gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their overall achievement of learning outcomes.  It also allows them to give evidence of the higher levels of knowledge and understanding required for above average marks.

The examination paper has two sections of equal weight.  Section A contains a number of compulsory questions of variable length but normally short.  Section B has a choice of two from three equally weighted questions.

• First order differential equations
  • General solutions and particular solutions.
  • Equations allowing separation of variables. Linear equations. Bernoulli equations. Homogeneous equations and those which may be transformed to homogeneous form. Integrating factors.
  • Geometrical interpretation of solutions using isoclines, direction fields and integral curves. Statement of existence and uniqueness theorem. Examples of non-existence and non-uniqueness.

• Second order differential equations with constant coefficients
  • Homogeneous equations and non-homogeneous equations.  Characteristic equation. General solutions and particular solutions.
  • Non-homogeneous equations with right-hand sides involving combinations of polynomial, exponential and trigonometric functions.

• General second order linear differential equations
  • Structure of general solutions for homogeneous and non-homogeneous cases.  The Wronskian and finding solutions by the variation of parameters.
  • Statement of existence and uniqueness theorem for the initial value problem. Generalization to n-th order.

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Differential Equations with Applications and Historical Notes, Simmon, G. F., McGraw Hill, New York.

Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Boyce, W. E., & DiPrima, R. C., Wiley, New York.