Instructor:  Dr. Theodore Tachim Medjo, Office: DM 413B

Text:  Finite Difference schemes and Partial Differential equations (by John C. Strikwerda)

Office Hours:  Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-13:30 (other times by appointments)

Course  descriptions: We will study the finite difference methods for approximating partial differential equations, including in particular hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic differential equations. We will also address some important aspects in techniques for discretized systems, including the general iterative methods, conjugate-gradient methods, multilevel methods, etc for linear systems. The basic material to be covered in this semester is contained in Chapter 1 to 6. Spetial topics, time permitting will also be included.

Chapter 1:  Hyperbolic partial differential equations. This chapter introduces a prototype of hyperbolic equation studied this semester and presents the method of charateristics for solving initila-values problem of hyperbolic type (first-order equations).  The sections are 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5

Chapter 2:  Analysis of finite difference schemes

Chapter 3:  Order of accuracy of finite difference schemes

Chapter 4:  Stability for multistep schemes

Chapter 5: Dissipation and Dispertions

Chapter 6: Parabolic partial differential equations

Grades: Grades will be assigned on the basis of 400 points distributions as follows:

Exam 1  100  points   05/22/2003
Exam 2  100 points  06/05/2003
Homeworks  50  points

Final Exam   150 points  06/18/2003

Final course grades will be assigned as follows:

376-400   A            360-375  A-              340-359   B+
320-339   B            308-319   B-             296-307   C +
280-295   C            268-279   C-             256-267   D+
240-255   D            232-239   D-             Less than 231  F

After the final examination, the cut-offs may be lowered.
 

REMINDER: There is never a penalty for asking. There is no shame in trying and
not succeeding; however, there is shame in not trying at all. NO MAKE UP EXAM.