Math 557A/558A: Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

Robin Graham

Autumn/Winter 2000-2001, Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11:30-12:20



This course will provide an introduction to basic problems and theory of partial differential equations.  The textbook for the course will be Introduction to Partial Differential Equations, 2nd edition, by Gerald B. Folland, and will be supplemented to some degree by material taken from other sources.  The prerequisite is Math 554,5,6--Linear Analysis.  (In particular, familiarity with the basics of distribution theory and with the theory of ordinary differential equations will be assumed.)  Math 557 (Autumn quarter) is a prerequisite for Math 558 (Winter quarter).

Topics to be covered include: First order equations, Cauchy-Kowalevski Theorem, constant coeffieient equations, fundamental solutions and properties of solutions of the Laplace, heat, and wave equations, solution of the Dirichlet and Neumann problems via layer potentials, and selected topics for nonlinear equations.

Regular homework assignments will be assigned and graded.

The third quarter of this sequence, Math 559, will be taught by Hart Smith during Spring 2001.