Differential Equations (MAT320)
Introduction to ordinary and partial differential equations.
Course description for study year 2025-2026
Facts
Course code
MAT320
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Time table
Admission requirements
Science and mathematics qualification (REALFA) / Higher engineering education (HING)
Content
First order differential equations: linear, separable, exact. Second order and higher order linear differential equations, systems of first order linear differential equations with constant coefficients. Solving second order linear differential equations using power series. Boundary value problems. Orthogonal functions and Fourier series. Solving partial differential equations by separation of variables. Green's functions and Fourier transform.
Learning outcome
The course consists of two parts: ordinary and partial differential equations. Students will learn methods for solving first order ordinary differential equations such as separation of variables and exact differential equations. Students will also analyse second order linear differential equations, including those with constant coefficients, together with higher order ordinary differential equations and systems of first order equations. Students will also learn how to solve them using power series and using the Frobenius method. They will also learn simple boundary value problems. Concerning partial differential equations, the students will be able to solve the wave equation, the heat conduction equation and Laplace's equation using separability and Fourier series, and they will also be able to solve boundary value problems. In addition, the students will get an introduction to Green's functions and the Fourier transform.
Required prerequisite knowledge
None
Recommended prerequisites
MAT100 Mathematical Methods 1, MAT200 Mathematical Methods 2, MAT210 Real Analysis, MAT300 Vector Analysis
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 1/1 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | Specified printed and hand-written means are allowed. Definite, basic calculator allowed |
Written exam is with pen and paper
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Alexander RashkovskiiCourse teacher:
Alexander RashkovskiiHead of Department:
Bjørn Henrik AuestadMethod of work
5-6 hours of lecturing and problem solving each week.
Overlapping courses
| Course | Reduction (SP) |
|---|---|
| Differential Equations (BMF110_1) | 10 |
| Mathematics 4 - differential equations (TE0303_A) | 5 |
| Mathematics 4 - differential equations (TE0303_1) | 5 |
| Mathematics 4 - Differential Equations (ÅMA300_1) | 5 |
Open for
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology
Mathematics - One-Year Programme
Science and Technology - One-Year programme
Course assessment
The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.
