Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 x 1 Hour Lectures |
| Workshop | 11 x 2 Hour Workshops |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Hand-ins from Workshops 1-4 | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Semester Exam | 70% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Written Examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. manipulate complex numbers and use DeMoivre’s theorem
2. use the division algorithm for polynomials
3. derive identities involving the roots of a polynomial and its coefficients
4. sketch the graphs of simple functions
5. explain the notion of inverse function
6. express functions in terms of power series
7. classify differential equations in terms of order, homogeneity, linearity and ordinary/partial character
8. identify suitable solution strategies for common types of ordinary differential equation
9. determine the number of boundary conditions needed to solve a particular differential equation
10. solve separable and linear-homogeneous ODE and linear ODE with constant coefficients
11. phrase simple physical problems such as radioactive decay or free fall in terms of an ODE, irrespective of the variable names used in the particular physical context
Aims
To introduce the concept of ordinary differential equations (ODE) and fundamental solution strategies for ODE used in various physical contexts.
Brief description
This module covers the basic algebra needed to study physical concepts and processes quantitatively. It also introduces ordinary differential equations, underpinning topics such as acoustics and quantum mechanics.
Content
Polynomials: Polynomial division, symmetric functions, relations between roots of a polynomial and its coefficients
Functions of a real variable: Graphs of elementary functions (polynomia, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, hyperbolic etc.), periodic functions, even and odd functions. Operations on functions: addition, multiplication, division, composition. Asymptotes. Inverse functions.
Series: Convergence of series. Power Series.
Classifying differential equations: Order, ordinary vs. partial, homogeneity, linearity.
First-order equations with separable variables. Radioactive decay. Boundary conditions (e.g. initial values).
Homogeneous linear first-order equations. Integrating factor method. Higher orders. Free fall.
Non-homogeneous equations. Particular function. Driven oscillations. Special cases: Heterogeneous part solves homogeneous equation.
Linear ODE with constant coefficients. Characteristic polynomial. Special cases: Degenerate roots. Standing waves.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | The focus of the module is on algebraic rather than numerical work, but application of number will feature in the physical examples. |
| Communication | Students will have to state definitions of mathematical terms concisely in their own words. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | With four workshop and coursework cycles, students have ample opportunity to engage with feedback given during the semester to improve their own performance. |
| Information Technology | Not specifically targeted or assessed beyond coursework submission through Blackboard. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Not specifically targeted. |
| Problem solving | Mathematical problems to be solved in each of the four workshops. |
| Research skills | To the extent that background reading is required. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Translating physical problems into mathematical equations and models. |
| Team work | The workshops will be run in small groups, and students are encouraged to solve problems together and learn from each other. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4