MATHS 2106 - Differential Equations for Engineers II

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

Mathematical models are used to understand, predict and optimise engineering systems. Many of these systems are deterministic and are modelled using differential equations. This course provides an introduction to differential equations and their applications in engineering. The following topics are covered: Linear ordinary differential equations of second and higher order, series solutions, Fourier series, Laplace transforms, partial differential equations, Fourier transforms.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MATHS 2106
    Course Differential Equations for Engineers II
    Coordinating Unit Mathematical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 5 hours per week.
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites MATHS 1012
    Incompatible MATHS 2102, MATHS 2201
    Assumed Knowledge Basic Matlab programming skills such as would be obtained from ENG 1002 or ENG 1003 or COMP SCI 1012 or COMP SCI 1101 or COMP SCI 1102 or COMP SCI 1201 or MECH ENG 1100 or MECH ENG 1102 or MECH ENG 1103 or MECH ENG 1104 or MECH ENG 1105 or C&ENVENG 1012
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Engineering students only.
    Assessment Ongoing assessment, examination.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Trent Mattner

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
    1. Derive mathematical models of physical systems.
    2. Present mathematical solutions in a concise and informative manner.
    3. Recognise ODEs that can be solved analytically and apply appropriate solution methods.
    4. Solve more difficult ODEs using power series.
    5. Know key properties of some special functions.
    6. Express functions using Fourier series.
    7. Solve certain ODEs and PDEs using Fourier and Laplace transforms.
    8. Solve problems numerically via the fast Fourier transform using Matlab.
    9. Solve standard PDEs (wave and heat equations) using appropriate methods.
    10. Evaluate and represent solutions of differential equations using Matlab.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    All

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    All

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    7,10
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Course notes will be available in electronic form on MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    Kreyszig, E., Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 10th edition, Wiley.
    Online Learning
    This course uses MyUni extensively and exclusively for providing electronic resources, such as course notes, assignment and tutorial questions, and worked solutions. Students should make appropriate use of these resources. MyUni can be accessed here: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/

    This course also makes use of online assessment software for mathematics called Mobius, which we use to provide students with instantaneous formative feedback. Further details about using Mobius will be provided on MyUni.

    Students are also reminded that they need to check their University email on a daily basis. Sometimes important and time-critical information might be sent by email and students are expected to have read it. Any problems with accessing or managing student email accounts should be directed to Technology Services.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course relies on instructional videos and workshops to guide students through the material, tutorial classes for peer and tutor support, and a sequence of written and online assignments that provide opportunities for students to practise techniques and develop their understanding of the course.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Activity Quantity Workload hours
    Course videos 60
    Workshops 12 12
    Tutorials 11 22
    Midsemester test 1 7
    Written assignments 5 25
    Online assignments 10 30
    TOTALS 156
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Differential equations and applications
    Ordinary differential equations (ODEs), directional fields
    Separable and linear first-order ODEs, substitution
    Week 2 Exact first-order ODEs
    Existence and uniqueness of solutions of first-order ODEs
    Homogeneous ODEs, superposition, linear independence, Wronskian
    Reduction of order
    Week 3 Constant-coefficient homogenous ODEs
    Modelling of mass-spring-dashpot systems, free oscillations
    Nonhomogeneous ODEs, method of undetermined coefficients
    Forced oscillations, electrical circuits
    Week 4 Variation of parameters
    Systems of first-order ODEs and applications
    Constant-coefficient homogeneous linear systems of ODEs
    Variable-coefficient homogeneous ODEs, Euler-Cauchy equation, power series method
    Week 5 Ordinary and singular points, Legendre's equation
    Frobenius method, Bessel's equation
    Bessel functions
    Week 6 Laplace transform
    Inverse Laplace transform, partial fractions, s-shifting
    Laplace transform of derivatives, application to ODEs
    Week 7 Convolution
    Unit step function, t-shifting, Dirac delta function
    Fourier series
    Week 8 Complex form of Fourier series, energy spectrum, convergence
    Fourier sine and cosine series, half-range expansions
    Week 9 Partial differential equations (PDEs)
    Wave equation, D’Alembert’s solution
    Separation of variables in 1D
    Week 10 Heat equation
    Laplace equation
    Laplace transform solution of PDEs
    Week 11 Fourier transform, Fourier integral, Fourier sine and cosine transforms
    Fourier transform solution of PDEs
    Week 12 Discrete Fourier transform
    Fast Fourier transform

    Tutorials will be held each week, commencing from week 2.  Tutorials cover material from the previous lectures.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment
    Task Type Weighting Learning Outcomes
    Written assignments Formative and Summative 12.5 % All
    Mobius (online) assignments Formative and Summative 12.5 % All except 2
    Midsemester test Summative 15 % 1,2,3,4,5
    Examination Summative 60 % All
    Assessment Related Requirements
    To pass the course the student must attain:
    1. an aggregate score of 50%, and
    2. at least 40% on the final examination.
    Assessment Detail
    Written assignments are due every fortnight. The first written assignment will be released in Week 2 and due in Week 4.

    Mobius (online) assignments are due every week. The first Mobius assignment will be released in Week 2 and due in Week 4.

    The midsemester test will be held in Week 8.  Further details, including test dates, times and venues, will be provided by email and MyUni.
    Submission
    Assignments must be submitted according to the policies and procedures published on the Differential Equations for Engineers II MyUni site.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.