Students
MATH3020 – Partial Differential Equations
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Noa Kraitzman
Stuart Hawkins
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(MATH2010) and (MATH2020 or MATH2030 or MATH2110)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Partial differential equations (PDEs) arise naturally in modelling a wide range of physical phenomena across science and engineering, from electrodynamics and acoustics to aerodynamics and fluid dynamics. This unit introduces the fundamental mathematical tools used to analyse and solve PDEs, combining analytical techniques that provide exact solutions where possible, with numerical methods that extend our reach to a broader class of PDEs. Special attention is given to three canonical equations: Laplace’s equation, which models steady-state and equilibrium processes; the wave equation, which describes vibrating systems and the propagation of sound or light; and the diffusion (or heat) equation, which governs heat transfer and the spread of substances. Key topics include the method of characteristics, Fourier-based methods, finite difference methods, and foundational concepts from numerical analysis and linear algebra. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Have knowledge of the principles and concepts of a basic theory of partial differential equations.
- ULO2: Use the ideas and techniques of the theory of partial differential equations to model a broad range of phenomena in science and engineering.
- ULO3: Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the theory of partial differential equations.
- ULO4: Demonstrate proficient use of Fourier analysis and other analytical techniques to solve partial differential equations.
- ULO5: Apply computational methods to obtain numerical solutions of partial differential equations.
- ULO6: Apply fundamental principles and concepts of numerical analysis to evaluate the computational complexity of computational algorithms and understand their error bounds.
General Assessment Information
REQUIREMENTS TO PASS THIS UNIT
To pass this unit, you need to: - Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.
LATE ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION PENALTY
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration.
Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted:
- Assignment – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
- Project – NO, unless Special Consideration is granted
- Final Exam – NO, unless Special Consideration is granted
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment.
If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.
Written Assessments/Quizzes/Tests: If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the written assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final examination | 50% | No | Exam Period | Individual | No | Observed |
| Assignment | 20% | No | 01/05/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open |
| Project | 30% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual and Group | No | Open |
Final examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
The exam will test the ability of students to utilise concepts and techniques learnt in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Have knowledge of the principles and concepts of a basic theory of partial differential equations.
- Use the ideas and techniques of the theory of partial differential equations to model a broad range of phenomena in science and engineering.
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the theory of partial differential equations.
- Demonstrate proficient use of Fourier analysis and other analytical techniques to solve partial differential equations.
- Apply computational methods to obtain numerical solutions of partial differential equations.
- Apply fundamental principles and concepts of numerical analysis to evaluate the computational complexity of computational algorithms and understand their error bounds.
Assignment
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 01/05/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open
The assignment will test the ability of students to solve mathematical problems using concepts and techniques learnt in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Have knowledge of the principles and concepts of a basic theory of partial differential equations.
- Use the ideas and techniques of the theory of partial differential equations to model a broad range of phenomena in science and engineering.
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the theory of partial differential equations.
- Demonstrate proficient use of Fourier analysis and other analytical techniques to solve partial differential equations.
- Apply computational methods to obtain numerical solutions of partial differential equations.
- Apply fundamental principles and concepts of numerical analysis to evaluate the computational complexity of computational algorithms and understand their error bounds.
Project
Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
This project gives students the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the unit to a larger scale mathematical problem than the short questions typical in assignments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Have knowledge of the principles and concepts of a basic theory of partial differential equations.
- Use the ideas and techniques of the theory of partial differential equations to model a broad range of phenomena in science and engineering.
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified mathematical arguments incorporating deductive reasoning especially in the context of the theory of partial differential equations.
- Demonstrate proficient use of Fourier analysis and other analytical techniques to solve partial differential equations.
- Apply computational methods to obtain numerical solutions of partial differential equations.
- Apply fundamental principles and concepts of numerical analysis to evaluate the computational complexity of computational algorithms and understand their error bounds.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Classes:
Lectures (beginning in Week 1): There is one two-hour lecture each week. SGTA classes (beginning in Week 2): There is one two-hour SGTA each week. The timetable for classes can be found on the University website at: https://publish.mq.edu.au/.
Enrolment can be managed using eStudent at: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/systems/estuden
Course Notes and Suggested Textbooks:
Lecture notes will be provided throughout the semester via iLearn. For additional reading, we recommend the following textbooks, both available free online:
- Introduction to Partial Differential Equations (Peter J. Olver), for the first half of the unit (analysis). Available through the MQ library service.
- Numerical Computing with MATLAB (Cleve Moler), for the second half of the unit (numerical methods). Available at: https://au.mathworks.com/moler/index_ncm.html
Technology Used and Required:
This subject requires the use of several items of software. Each of these is available to you at no cost, either because the software is open source or otherwise freely available, or because Macquarie University has arranged access for students. You will need the following:
Matlab: Macquarie University provides Matlab access on a wide range of computing platforms. You will be required to sign up with Mathworks using your student email account. Access and installation instructions may be found at: https://au.mathworks.com/academia/tah-portal/macquarie-university-916052.html Students may also use the free online Matlab implementation using their university licence, found at: https://au.mathworks.com/products/matlab-online.html
LaTeX: LaTeX is a free mathematical typesetting program. Access and installation instructions may be found at: https://www.latex-project.org/get Students may also use the free online LaTeX compiler, Overleaf, which is found at: https://www.overleaf.com
Methods of Communication:
We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn.
Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to your lecturers from your university email address.
Unit Schedule
| WEEK | STARTING | TOPIC | SGTA / WORKSHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 Feb | Introduction and Review | No SGTA |
| 2 | 2 Mar | Method of Characteristics | |
| 3 | 9 Mar | Linear Second-Order PDEs | |
| 4 | 16 Mar | Fourier Series | |
| 5 | 23 Mar | Separation of Variables | |
| 6 | 30 Mar | Fourier Transforms | |
| 7 | 20 Apr | Quadrature | |
| 8 | 27 Apr | ODE solvers | |
| 9 | 4 May | Runge-Kutta | |
| 10 | 11 May | Finite differences for PDEs | |
| 11 | 18 May | Error analysis of finite differences | |
| 12 | 25 May | Application of finite differences to PDEs | |
| 13 | 1 Jun | Review |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2026.01 of the Handbook