Partial Differential Equations (G1114)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

This module introduces you to the theory of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) studying in detail the three fundamental linear PDEs of second-order: the Laplace equation, the heat equation, and the wave equation. These equations are, respectively, the primary examples of elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic PDEs and form the basis for many equations that appear in the modelling of the physical and life sciences.

The module also serves as a foundation for several subsequent modules in Analysis and PDEs.

You will learn a variety of techniques to study the above equations and learn how to construct explicit solutions. For example, topics include the separation of variables method, Greene’s identities, maximum principles, Duhamel’s principle, D’Alembert’s solution, as well as energy methods. 

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.