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Course & Unit Catalogues


MA20223: Vector calculus and partial differential equations

[Page last updated: 23 October 2023]

Academic Year: 2023/24
Owning Department/School: Department of Mathematical Sciences
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take MA10236
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit, students should be able to:
* Use the fundamental integral theorems of vector calculus (the divergence theorem, Green's theorem, and Stokes' theorem)
* Demonstrate familiarity with the basic properties of Fourier series
* Solve the Laplace, heat, and wave equation in simple domains using separation of variables.
* Write the relevant mathematical arguments in a precise and lucid fashion.


Aims: To complete the theory of vector calculus leading up to the fundamental integral theorems (the divergence theorem, Green's theorem, and Stokes' theorem). To introduce Fourier series, the three basic classes of linear PDEs (characterised by the Laplace, heat and wave equations), and the method of separation of variables.

Skills: Numeracy T/F A Problem Solving T/F A Spoken and Written Communication F (in tutorials and on problem sheets).

Content: Directional derivatives, gradients, potentials, line integrals (revision), divergence, curl, surface and volume integrals, curvilinear coordinates. Integral theorems (divergence, Green, Stokes). Fourier series: formal introduction, convergence theorem; Fourier cosine and sine series. Partial differential equations: classification of linear second order PDEs; separation of variables for Laplace's equation in 2D, and heat and wave equation in one space dimension; d'Alembert formula for wave equation. Elementary potential theory and conservation laws.

Course availability:

MA20223 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • USMA-AFB13 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics (Year 2)
  • USMA-AAB14 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USMA-AKB14 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics with Year long work placement (Year 2)
Department of Physics
  • USXX-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 2)
  • USXX-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USXX-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • USXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 2)
  • USXX-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USXX-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 2)

MA20223 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • USMA-AFB15 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USMA-AFB15 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences (Year 3)
  • USMA-AAB16 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USMA-AAB16 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USMA-AKB16 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • USMA-AKB16 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USMA-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics (Year 2)
  • USMA-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics (Year 3)
  • USMA-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USMA-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USMA-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • USMA-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USMA-AFB20 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science (Year 2)
  • USMA-AAB20 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USMA-AKB20 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science with Industrial Placement (Year 2)
  • USMA-AAB06 : BSc(Hons) Statistics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USMA-AKB06 : BSc(Hons) Statistics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USMA-AFM14 : MMath(Hons) Mathematics (Year 2)
  • USMA-AFM14 : MMath(Hons) Mathematics (Year 3)
  • USMA-AAM15 : MMath(Hons) Mathematics with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USMA-AKM15 : MMath(Hons) Mathematics with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • USMA-AKM15 : MMath(Hons) Mathematics with Year long work placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.