Module Descriptors

Applied Mathematics

MP345: Mathematical Methods I (5 ECTS)

This course introduces some advanced methods of mathematical physics for solving ordinary differential equations, and presents some applications of complex analysis.

Taught in Semester(s) I. Examined in Semester(s) I.

Workload: 36 hours (24 Lecture hours, 12 Tutorial hours).


Module Learning Outcomes. On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:

  1. Find the general solution to a second-order linear differential equation with constant coefficients when it is homogeneous, and a particular solution when it is inhomogeneous;
  2. Find a second, linearly independent, solution to a second-order differential equation when one is known;
  3. Compute the first few terms of a power series or Frobenius series solution to a second-order linear equation with variable coefficients, when it exists;
  4. Derive orthogonality relations for trigonometric, Legendre and Bessel functions;
  5. Compute real integrals using the theorems of complex contour integration;
  6. Draw fields described by complex analytic functions.


Indicative Content

This is a course on mathematical methods, and amongst the topics covered are:

  1. solution methods for second order linear differential equations with constant coefficients and special ODEs;
  2. power series and Frobenius series solutions of second order linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients;
  3. orthogonality relations for trigonometric functions, Legendre functions, and Bessel functions;
  4. the calculation of some real integrals using complex contour integration;
  5. complex analytic functions.


Module Resources

E. Kreyszig, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Wiley


Back