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Module

PHY1029 : Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Gerasimos Rigopoulos
  • Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To lay the mathematical foundations for more advanced mathematics needed to describe
physical systems. Students will learn how to solve simple differential equations and how known computational tools of the calculus of functions of a single variable generalize to functions of many variables.

Outline Of Syllabus

A general introduction to differential equations: Partial and ordinary; linear and non-linear; homogeneous and non- homogeneous. First-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs): direct integration; separation of variables; general linear first order ODEs. Second-order linear ODEs: Constant coefficients, inhomogeneous equations. Partial differentiation of multivariable functions: stationary points, chain rule. Integration of multivariable functions: Double and triple integration, change of variables, polar, spherical and cylindrical coordinates.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion371:0037:00Completion of in course assignments/ examination revision
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture21:002:00Revision Lectures
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00Formal Lectures
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study411:0041:00Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review
Total100:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
MAS1611Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work.

The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A80N/A
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations2N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Prob solv exercises2M5Problem-solving exercises assessment
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes. The assurance of academic integrity forms a necessary part of programme accreditation.

Examination problems may require a synthesis of concepts and strategies from different sections, while they may have more than one ways for solution. The examination time allows the students to test different strategies, work out examples and gather evidence for deciding on an effective strategy, while carefully articulating their ideas and explicitly citing the theory they are using.

The coursework assignment allows the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; this assessment has a secondary formative purpose as well as a primary summative purpose.

Reading Lists

Timetable