M376K (57460) - Methods of Applied Mathematics - Spring06

First Day Handout


  • Unique number: 57460
  • Meeting time and place: T-TH 12:30-2:00pm   RLM 5.126.
  • Web page: http://www.ma.utexas.edu/users/gamba/S06/m372C.htlm
  • Professor: Irene M. Gamba, RLM 10.166, X1-7150
  • email: gamba@math.utexas.edu
  • Office hours:Thursdays 2:00 - 3:00 and by appointment.
  • discussion section: TBA
    Teaching Assistant: Betul Orcan;
    E-Mail: borcan@math.utexas.edu
  • Textbook: Elementary Applied Partial Differential Equations, by Richard Haberman and classnotes.
  • Prerequisites: M427K,M408M and one of M341, M311 or M340L or M346, all with grades of at least C. We recommend M372K or M374 or M374K, if M346 has not been taken. 
  • Syllabus:
    This is an advanced undergraduate course that focus on methods related to concepts from classical and modern applied mathematics are introduced. Models include systems of linear and some non-linear equations related to mathematical physics, such as eigen-value problems, initial and boundary value problems for partial differential equations. Topics include fundamental and generalized solutions in Hilbert spaces, Fourier and Laplace transform methods for PDEs, first order quasilinear problems, dispersive waves, scaling solutions, group velocity and the method of stationary phase, stability and instability analysis. We will cover material from chapters 7, 9 to 14 from the Haberman's textbook and related material from classnotes.

  • Homework: There will be bi-weekly problem sets.

  • Exams: There will a compremhensive two parts home exams. The first one will be assigned Thursday May 4, and due Monday May 8, between 1:00 to 12:00am at my RLM 10.166 office. The second one will be asigned on Wednesday May 10 and Monday May 15th If you need to make up your grade, the final exam date is on Tuesday May 16, 9 to 12 noon Room RLM 5.122, on the University announced scheduled date.

  • Grading: The first part of the comprenhensive exam counts 80pts, the second part 120pts. The homework counts 100pts. The final grade distribution is neither a straight scale nor a fixed curve. It depends on how well the class does as a whole, but I hope to give mostly A's and B's. You will not need to take a final exam on the regular final schedule if your cummulative grade is A or if you want to keep either a B or C grade. You may want to improve your B or C grade in which case you may want to take the final exam on May 16th. You must take the final exam if your grade was below C-.


  • Review problems - not due: Check if you can handle them -First days discussions
    From the textbook:
    Chapter 2:
    2.2.1 to 2.2.5; 3.3.1; 2.3.2 (a--d); 2.4.4; 2.4.7; 2.5.4, 2.5.5, 2.5.14;
    Chapter 3:
    3.2.1-d,f; 3.3.1-e; 3.3.17; 3.4.6; 3.4.9; 3.4.12; 3.5.1.
    Chapter 4:
    4.4.3; 4.4.4; 4.4.7-8; 4.4.9; 4.4.12.
    Chapter 5:
    5.3.5; 5.3.7; 5.4.2; 5.4.3; 5.4.5; 5.5.2; 5.5.4; 5.5.11; 5.6.2;
    Chapter 7:
    7.4.2; 7.4.3; 7.5.2-3; 7.5.4; 7.5.6; 7.5.7; 7.6.1; 7.6.3.

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  • Disabilities: The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY