M442 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

Syllabus
Spring 2012
Section 17872, MWF 11:15-12:05, WH002
Instructor: Peter Sternberg. Office: 243 Rawles Hall. Phone: 855-6726.
E-mail: sternber@indiana.edu
Webpage: http://mypage.iu.edu/sternber/
(Look here for homework assignments, supplemental course materials, review sheets, etc.)
Prerequisites: M301 or M303 (linear algebra), calculus through M311 (multivariate calculus) and M343 or consent of instructor, M441. Note: M312 is not an official pre-requisite but
I will assume familiarity with those topics from vector calculus reviewed/introduced in M441
last semester (specifically the divergence theorem). If you did not take M441 last semester
you need to check with me to see if enrollment in this course is appropriate.
Text: Applied Partial Differential Equations, Fourth Edition, by Richard Haberman.
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 2:30-3:30, Friday 10:00-11:00. All office hours are in
RH243.
Course Description: Fourier transform, problems on infinite domains, multiple Fourier
series, inhomogeneous problems, solution to the 3-d wave equation by spherical means, and to
the 2d problem by descent. Greens functions, method of characteristics and a brief introduction to conservation laws, introduction to the calculus of variations, asymptotic approximation
of solutions.
Homework: There will be (roughly) weekly graded homework assignments. Carefully working these homework problems constitutes your primary job in this course. In general, late
homework will not be accepted.
Grading: Grades will be based upon homework (30%), two midterm exams (20% each) and
a final exam (30%). The dates of the in-class exams will be announced.
Final exam: The final exam for this course is scheduled for 5:00-7:00, Monday, April 30.

Other sources:
An Introduction to Partial Differential Equations by Yehuda Pinchover and Jacob Rubinstein
more sophisticated treatment and wider array of topics covered than Haberman. However,
some students find it tough to follow.
P.D.E. for Scientists and Engineers by S. Farlowfairly easy to read with examples worked
out in some detail. Light on theory.
Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems by R. Churchillfocus on separation of variables
methods and Fourier series.
P.D.E. of Mathematical Physics and Integral Equations by R. Guenther and J. Leeemphasis
on physical applications
P.D.E. of Applied Mathematics by E. Zaudererwide array of examples worked, some quite
advanced.
Partial Differential Equations, an Introduction by W. Strauss.
Introduction to P.D.E. by H. Weinberger
P.D.E. by F. Johnbeautiful book, but a bit more advancedintroductory graduate level.
P.D.E. by L.C. Evansthe standard textbook used in graduate level PDE courses.