Fourier Analysis & Partial Differential Equations

Math 440 Fall 2009     MWF 8:00-8:50 Roop 105

Instructor: Roger Thelwell Roop 106
Contact: thelwerj@jmu.edu tel: 568-5103
URL: www.math.jmu.edu/~thelwell/classes/440_f09     also on BLACKBOARD
OFFICE HRS: TBA  
Text: M440 Coursepack, by James H. Liu     Suggested: Buy a used copy of Elementary Applied PDE by Richard Haberman
Schedule URL: www.math.jmu.edu/~thelwell/classes/440_f09_prob.txt    
Content & Goals:
The goal of this course to gain some understanding of both the theory and applications of Fourier Series & Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). Along the way, we will explore theoretical and applied aspects of the three canonical PDEs: the wave equation, the heat equation, and Laplace's equation. You'll build problem-solving skills as you grapple with the theory and by applying a variety of techniques to boundary-value problems (BVPs) and initial-boundary value problems (IBVPs) for PDEs.

Attendance:
You should come to every class. While I won't require attendance, the probability of spectacular failure increases with each missed class. The lectures will supplement the material in the coursepack, but will also contain jewels of information not found there. If exceptional situtations arise that force you to miss class, contact me as soon as possible so as to not fall behind. Please use them, and don't be afraid to send an email or give me a call.

Homework Sets:
Reading and Homework will be assigned throughout the semester. This will be a rigourous course, with inteverals of tedious hand computation and frustrating computer based tasks. Homework sets will be collected several times throughout the semester. You must SHOW your work for full credit and turn in neatly compiled problems. Many problems in PDE can be lengthy. Make it easy for me follow your work - you won't get credit by making me guess! I will accept late homework, although you'll loose 10% per day. You are strongly encouraged to work with classmates on homework, but copying another's work will result in zeros for all. The homework sets are pledged, and some problems may be restricted to no outside help. Beware: your chances of passing the exams are poor if you consistently find that you can't complete the homework yourself. Some of the homework score may reflect completeness of the assignment (i.e., reasonable attempts at all problems in the set) while the remainder will be determined from your detailed solutions to randomly selected problem(s) from the homework set.

Grading:
The standard scale will be used. 90-100: A- to A range; 80-89: B- to B+ range; 70-79: C- to C+ range; 60-69: D to D+ range; 59 and below: F. An exceptional job on the final exam or excellent class attendance and participation could bump borderline cases up to the higher grade. Grades will be calculated in the following manner:

  1. Homework: 25%
  2. Exams: Two at 25% each. The exam dates will be announced with reasonable notice throughout the semester and may be given in-class, or take-home, or both.
  3. Comprehensive Final: 25%. Scheduled for Friday Dec. 11th from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm in Roop 105.