Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title FIELD THEORY AND PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Code MATH283
Coordinator Professor JA Gracey
Mathematical Sciences
Gracey@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

To introduce students to the concepts of scalar and vector fields. To develop techniques for evaluating line, surface and volume integrals.

To introduce students to some of the basic methods for solving partial differential equations

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Evaluate Grad, Div, Curl and Laplace operators in Cartesian and polar coordinates.

(LO2) Evaluate line, double and volume integrals.

(LO3) Understand of the physical meaning of flux and circulation.

(LO4) Solve simple boundary value problems for the wave equation, diffusion equation and Laplace's equation.

Syllabus
 

Vector Calculus: 
Revision of partial differentiation;
scalar and vector fields;
field operators Grad, Div, Curl, and the Laplacian;
Line, double, surface and volume integrals (spheres and cuboids only);
flux and circulation of vector field, theorems of Gauss and Stokes;
potential functions;
applications to electromagnetism.

Partial Differential Equations: 
Basic equations of mathematical physics, wave equation, diffusion equation, Laplace's equation;
solution by method of separation of variables;
calculation of eigenfunctions for simple initial and boundary value problems.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Final Assessment.  60    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Homework 3 online in Moebius  0    10       
Homework 2 online in Moebius  0    10       
Homework 1 online in Moebius  0    10       
Class Test  60    20