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MST30040

Academic Year 2025/2026

Differential Equations (MST30040)

Subject:
Mathematical Studies
College:
Science
School:
Mathematics & Statistics
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Mark Dukes
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is intended as an introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations. The theory of differential equations is a broad and active field of study which is of fundamental importance in all the areas in which mathematics is applied, from quantum mechanics to option-pricing. The topics to be chosen from (among others);

solving separable and first-order linear equations,
examples of differential equations in different areas of science and finance,
solving particular instances of second order differential equations,
power series and numerical solutions,
linear systems and classification of critical points,
the linearisation of non-linear systems.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

1. Give examples of situations and problems which can be naturally modelled by differential equations.

2. Solve simple first-order and second-order equations and be able to apply existence theorems related to them.

3. Solve linear systems and classify the critical points of such systems.

4. Analyse simple cases of non-linear systems through linearisation.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

12
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; Tutorials

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

To be eligible to take this module the student should have taken and passed a module or modules whose learning outcomes include a working knowledge of and understanding of the differential and integral calculus of functions of a single variable. The student should also have passed at least one module in linear algebra.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ACM10060 - Appl of Differential Equations, ACM10100 - Differential & Diff Equations


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): In-class midterm exam Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): Final Exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 16:00 - 16:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 16:00 - 16:50
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