Handbook home
Differential Equations (MAST20030)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
Differential equations arise as common models in the physical, mathematical, biological and engineering sciences. This subject covers linear differential equations, both ordinary and partial, using concepts from linear algebra to provide the general structure of solutions for ordinary differential equations and linear systems. The differences between initial value problems and boundary value problems are discussed and eigenvalue problems arising from common classes of partial differential equations are introduced. Laplace transform methods are used to solve dynamical models with discontinuous inputs and the separation of variables method is applied to simple second order partial differential equations. Fourier series are derived and used to represent the solutions of the heat and wave equation and Fourier transforms are introduced. The subject balances basic theory with concrete applications.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students should be able to
- understand the solution structure of linear ordinary differential equations;
- appreciate how partial differential equations arise in physical applications;
- be able to find exact solutions of simple first and second-order partial differential equations in two variables;
- know how eigenfunction and transform methods arise naturally and can be applied in differential equation problems.
Generic skills
In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, engineering, commerce, education or elsewhere, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. These include
- problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant strategies;
- analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10022 | Linear Algebra: Advanced | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10018 Linear Algebra Extension Studies
MAST10013 UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students
plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10021 | Calculus 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10019 Calculus Extension Studies
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students may only gain credit for one of MAST20030 Differential Equations, MAST30029 Partial Differential Equations (prior to 2014) and MAST30023 Differential Equations for Engineers (prior to 2012).
Students may not enrol in MAST20009 Vector Calculus and MAST20030 Differential Equations concurrently.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Three written assignments due at regular intervals amounting to a total of up to 50 pages
| During the teaching period | 30% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 70% |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Johanna Knapp Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 one-hour lectures (three per week), 12 one-hour practice classes (one per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Boyce and DiPrima, Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, any edition, Wiley
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics Major Applied Mathematics - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024