This course shows the modelling process in the context of differential equations and case studies from a number of areas such as population dynamics, economics, electric circuits, mechanical systems, fluid flow, physics and astrophysics. Analytic methods from the elementary theory of differential equations and calculus will be provided to allow for the analysis of the various models being investigated. The numerical package MATLAB will be used to study model behaviour and to obtain deeper understanding of the consequences of analytical studies.
Topics to be covered include:
First order differential equations; second order linear equations; systems of first order equations; nonlinear differential equations; power series solutions; Bessel and Legendre equations; the gamma function.
Advanced Vector Calculus - Curves and surfaces in three dimensions; parametric representations; curvilinear coordinate systems; Surface and volume integrals; use of Jacobians; gradient, divergence and curl; identities involving vector differential operators; the Laplacian; Green's and Stokes' theorems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the fundamental concepts of differential equations and vector calculus and their role in modern applied mathematics and real-world contexts.
2. Demonstrate accurate and efficient use of techniques involved in solving differential equations and applying vector differential operators.
3. Demonstrate capacity for mathematical reasoning through analyzing, proving and explaining concepts from the theory of differential equations.
4. Apply problem-solving using techniques in differential equations and vector calculus in diverse situations in physics, engineering and other mathematical contexts.
Research-Led Teaching
Techniques covered in this course will be linked to applications in the physical and biological sciences, engineering and information technologies, economics and commerce.
Examination Material or equipment
A double sided A4 summary page (handwritten) is allowed in each of the exams.
Required Resources
Students need a computer to complete online quizzes, use Matlab and to access Wattle (they can use either an ANU computer or they can use their own device). They also need to have a web camera if they need/choose to participate in online workshops.
Recommended Resources
Highly recommended textbooks:
"Essential Calculus" by James Stewart (2nd Edition). This is the same textbook used in MATH1013 and MATH1014.
"A First Course in Differential Equation with Modelling Applications" by Dennis G. Zill,.
Recommended student system requirements
ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:
- video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
- two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
- email and other messaging tools for communication
- interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
- print and photo/scan for handwritten work
- home-based assessment.
To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:
- A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
- Webcam
- Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
- Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
- Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
- Printing, and photo/scanning equipment
For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
Other Information
Further information about assessments, including due dates, are provided on the course Wattle site.
Computer Labs
Some introductory Matlab sessions will be held during semester. Students may drop in these sessions at any time they find suitable and as many times as they wish. No booking or enrollment is necessary. The purpose of these sessions is to introduce Matlab to students that haven't used it before, or are not confident in their ability to use Matlab. Demonstrators will answer your questions on Matlab. The assessments will have Matlab questions and you will need to submit Matlab code in assignments. We highly recommend to attend the introductory sessions and ask as many questions as you can. This is not a programming course and you will not be asked to do any serious Matlab programming. Rather, the idea is to use Matlab to explore the properties of different mathematical models.
Course communication
If you have a question that may be of interest to the class as a whole please use the discussion board on Wattle. And if you post a question on the discussion that you would like one of the lecturers to answer, please address it to us specifically so we know that you are expecting us to answer it. We will not generally get involved in the discussion, so if you do not address it to us we will assume that you are expecting another student to reply.
Gradebook
Please check the records in the gradebook regularly and notify your demonstrator immediately if you believe there is a mistake. The grade for each workshop and assignment will be displayed in the gradebook for three weeks, after which time we will assume the grade is correct and it will be removed from display. A running total of your grades will remain. Our reason for doing this is to encourage you to notify the demonstrators promptly if there is a mistake, while the information is still fresh in everyone's minds. It is no good coming to the lecturers at the end of the semester complaining that the grade for workshop 1 is wrong, nobody is going to remember what happened ten weeks earlier.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Vector calculus | |
2 | Vector calculus | Online quiz 1 |
3 | Vector calculus | Workshop 1 Online quiz 2 |
4 | Vector calculus | Workshop 2 Online quiz 3 |
5 | Vector calculus | Workshop 3 Online quiz 4 Proctored online exam |
6 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Workshop 4 Online quiz 5 Assignment 1 |
7 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Workshop 5 Online quiz 6 |
8 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Workshop 6 Online quiz 7 |
9 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Workshop 7 Online quiz 8 Assignment 2 |
10 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Workshop 8 Online quiz 9 Proctored online exam |
11 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Workshop 9 Online quiz 10 Assignment 3 |
12 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Workshop 10 Online quiz 11 |
Tutorial Registration
Workshops will be held during the semester and will start in Week 3. Students must use mytimetable to enrol in one of the available weekly workshop groups.
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Proctored online exams during semester | 20 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4 |
End of semester exam | 45 % | 01/06/2023 | 29/06/2023 | 1,2,3,4 |
Workshop presentations | 8 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4 |
Assignments | 15 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4 |
Online quizzes | 9 % | * | * | 2,3,4 |
Lectorial activities | 3 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
In Semester 1 2023, this course is delivered on campus with remote adjustments only for participants with unavoidable travel restrictions/visa delays. Note that participation is required in Workshops from weeks 3 - 12 and all Lectorials.
Examination(s)
This course includes two mid-semester exams and a final examination. The details and mode of delivery for exams will be communicated through the course Wattle site and the ANU examination timetable.
Please note that, where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course Wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and mode of the exam.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Proctored online exams during semester
There will be two exams held during semester, worth a total of 20%. The first will be Tuesday of week 5, and the second will be Monday of week 10. Further details will be posted on Wattle.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
End of semester exam
The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and mode if the exam. The final exam may be online, using an invigilation system such as Proctorio.
Please note:
- If your overall grade is greater than or equal to 45%, but less than 50%, you will be offered a supplementary exam. If you pass the supplementary exam you will be awarded a grade of 50PS, otherwise you will receive N.
- No further examination will be offered if your overall grade is less than 45%.
The above requirements on passing the course are contingent on a student abiding by the university examination rules. Please make sure you are familiar with the ANU Science Rules and Policies, as well as the policy for Academic Honesty and Plagiarism and the Code of practice for teaching and learning.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Workshop presentations
During each of the workshops in weeks 3-12, you will be working in a small group (either in person or participating remotely). Each week, you will be in charge of leading your peers through at least one problem. You are expected to prepare for this before class, but it is OK to make mistakes. Each week, you will also need to write up and submit one workshop problem for feedback. These workshop activities are worth a total of 8%
The solutions to the worksheets will not be posted on Wattle, they are to be presented and discussed in the workshop.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Assignments
There are 3 assignments due over the semester, worth at total of 15% One assignment will be for vector calculus part of the course and the other for the ODE part of the course.
It is intended that marked assignments be returned to students two weeks after the submission's deadline.
Assignment 1 available on Friday week 3. Due Tuesday (week 6)
Assignment 2 available on Friday week 7. Due Tuesday (week 9)
Assignment 3 available on Friday week 9. Due Tuesday (week 11)
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 2,3,4
Online quizzes
There are 11 online weekly quizzes due at the start of each week from week 2 onwards. These quizzes will use Matlab grader, so you will need to register for a MathWorks account with your ANU email address. You are encouraged to work with other students on these problems, and can explain the method for doing these problems, but please do not just share answers to these problems.
These quizzes will be often be on material in notes and videos not yet covered in class. You are expected to spend at least 2 extra hours on self study learning course material from notes and videos, as there are 2 weekly hours of lectorial instead of 4 weekly hours of lectures.
Assessment Task 6
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Lectorial activities
Lectorial activities count for 3% of your final mark. Each week there are two lectorials. You only need to come to one of them each week. You must participate live in lectorial activities to receive marks, although an option of remote participation will be available at one of the two weekly workshop times.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
Online Submission
You will be required to agree to a declaration as part of the submission of your assignments, that will record your understanding of ANU academic integrity principles. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. MATH2305 does not use Turnitin, having been granted an exemption.
Hardcopy Submission
No hard copy submissions will be accepted unless approved by the lecturer. Students should either type their assignments or scan/take a photograph of their hand-written assignments and submit them for marking via Wattle. They also must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. The quality of scans/photographs must be good. If the demonstrator cannot read parts of an assignment they will give zero marks to that part. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your own records.
Late Submission
Late submissions of assignments without an extension that is approved by the lecturer are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assignments will not be accepted after a date to be specified when the assignment is set.
Referencing Requirements
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.
Returning Assignments
Assignments will be submitted and returned via Wattle.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
No resubmission is permitted.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interests |
Dr Brett Parker
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Dr Brett Parker
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