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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Mathematics : Mathematics

Undergraduate Course: Differential Equation Modelling & Solution (MATH08022)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Mathematics CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaMathematics Other subject areaSpecialist Mathematics & Statistics (Year 1)
Course website https://info.maths.ed.ac.uk/teaching.html Taught in Gaelic?No
Course description*In 2011-12, this course is available only to students retaking it and will be assessed on an 'exam only' basis.*

First year course, primarily for Honours Degrees in Mathematics and/or Statistics. Syllabus summary: Rate of change as a derivative. Velocity, acceleration, Newton's second law, including resistance. Modelling of population dynamics. Analytical methods for solving separable ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and linear first order ODEs with constant coefficients. Numerical and graphical methods of solution (including use of Maple). Truncation error and order. The idea of equilibrium. The topics will be developed through examples and practical questions, such as "Why do small hailstones not kill you?"; the motion of falling bodies; conservation of fish stocks: the effects of harvesting and overcrowding; Lotka-Volterra two-component models.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?No
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  No Quota:  3
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
No Classes have been defined for this Course
First Class First class information not currently available
Additional information Tutorials: F at 0900, 1000 and 1110.
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)Differential Equations Modelling & Solution2:00
Resit Exam Diet (August)2:00
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
1. Familiarity with Newton's second law for linear motion under gravity, with linear or quadratic resistance, or with buoyancy: and familiarity with formulating one-dimensional dynamics as an O.D.E. with initial condition(s).
2. Familiarity with the notions of dependent and independent variable, and order of a differential equation (up to second).
3. Ability to recognise and solve separable equations (analytically).
4. Ability to recognise and solve (analytically) linear first-order equations with constant coefficient and right-hand side equal to zero, constant, exponential, sine or cosine. Solution of y' = ky to be written at sight.
5. Ability to sketch direction fields and solution in simple cases (y' a function of x or of y only).
6. Ability to solve and plot solutions numerically (using Maple). Understanding of the concepts of truncation error (local and global), and order. Ability to apply Euler's method for one or two steps.
7. Understanding of the basic models of population dynamics: Malthus, constant harvesting, logistic; their solution, interpretation and comparison with experimental evidence.
8. Formulating and solving simple compartment models (e.g. mixing).
9. Knowledge of equivalence of system of two first order equations to a given second order equation. Finding phase plane equation for autonomous system of two first-order equations, and an integral.
10. Familiarity with the qualitative behaviour of the solutions of the Lotka-Volterra system, including its equilibrium and a first integral.
11. Ability to recognise the equation of displaced simple harmonic motion, and to write down the solution of the SHM equation at sight. Knowledge of its period.
Assessment Information
Coursework (which may include a Project): 15%; Degree Examination: 85%.
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsDMS
Contacts
Course organiserDr Toby Bailey
Tel: (0131 6)50 5068
Email: t.n.bailey@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Louise Durie
Tel: (0131 6)50 5050
Email: L.Durie@ed.ac.uk
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