CAAM 336

Differential Equations in

Science and Engineering

Spring 2012

reading and lectures

assignments

exams

General Information

    Instructors

    Section 1: Jeffrey Hokanson (jeffreyh@rice.edu)

    • Office: Duncan Hall 2108, (832)655-3185
    • Office Hours: Tues 1:00-3:00 pm or by appointment.
    • Lecture Room and Time: DCH 1046 11:00AM - 11:50 AM MWF

    Section 2: Danny Sorensen (sorensen@rice.edu)

    • Office: Duncan Hall 2035, (713)348-5193
    • Office Hours: Wed 2:00-3:30 pm or by appointment.
    • Lecture Room and Time: HRZ 212 1:00PM - 1:50PM MWF

    Section 3: Thomas Callaghan (tscallaghan@rice.edu)

    • Office: Duncan Hall 2037, (713)348-5742
    • Office Hours: Wed 3.30-5.00 pm or by appointment.
    • Lecture Room and Time: SST 106 1:00PM - 1:50PM MWF

    Teaching Assistant: Ricardo Gallardo (rgallardo@rice.edu)

    • Office: Duncan Hall 3065, but OH in HRZ 211
    • Office Hours: HRZ 211, Thurs 4:00-5:00 pm or by appointment.
    • Recitation Room: DH 1064 and Time: Mon 6:15-8:15 pm
    • Exception 2/20/2012: DH 1070 and Time: Mon 6:15-8:15 pm

    About this Course

    This course is an introduction to partial differential equations. It will cover classical and numerical solution techniques for ordinary and partial differential equations. Solution techniques will include Fourier series and the finite element method for initial and boundary value problems arising in diffusion and wave propagation phenomena. For a listing of topics see the reading and lectures-page.

    Announcements

    You might be interested in VIGRE. To learn more about VIGRE, the various VIGRE activities and courses (PFUGs) offered, visit the VIGRE webpage.

    Check the reading and lectures-page and the assignments-page regularly for updates.

    Textbook and References

    We will use the book Mark S. Gockenbach, Partial Differential Equations: Analytical and Numerical Methods, SIAM, Philadelphia. Errata

    • Note that we will not cover all of the topics in this book and in many cases we will provide extra material. Hence, regular attendance of the lectures is required.

    Required Course Work:

    • Reading: Students should carefully read all of the assigned sections from the course text.

    • Problem Sets: Problem sets will be assigned roughly once a week, each worth 100 points. Mathematically rigorous solutions are expected; strive for clarity and elegance. Problem sets will be posted at assignments.

    • Examinations: There will be two mid-term examinations and no final examination. These will be posted at exams . Exams will be pledged. Students are expected to uphold the Rice Honor Code on all homeworks and exams.

    • You may collaborate on the homework problems, but your write-up must be your own independent work. Transcribed solutions are unacceptable. You may not consult solutions from previous sections of this class. On pledged assignments, you are not allowed to discuss homework with fellow students.

    • Unless it is specified that a particular calculation must be performed by hand, you are encouraged to use MATLAB's Symbolic Math Toolbox (or Mathematica or Maple or Wolfram Alpha) to compute and simplify tedious integrals and derivatives on the problem sets. As always, you must document your calculations clearly.

    • Homework will often involve Matlab programming. You are required to turn in your Matlab source code on such assignments and all codes must adhere to the programming standards.

    • NO LATE HOMEWORK will be accepted. We will automatically discard your lowest two scores when calculating a final grade. The only exception for late homework will require a written official excuse.

    • Look over the graded homework as soon as it is returned. If you detect mistakes in the grading, notify your instructor immediately.
      • Homework scores will only be changed during the first two weeks after they have been returned.

    • Grading: The homeworks will comprise 50% of your grade. The examinations will comprise 25% each.

Note on Disability Based Accommodations

If you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class, please contact me to discuss your needs. Additionally, you will need to register with the Disability Support Services Office in the Ley Student Center.

This web page is located at http://www.caam.rice.edu/~caam336 and maintained by Danny C. Sorensen .