MTH2032 Differential equations with modelling
Faculty of Science
MTH2032 Differential equations with modelling is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs MTH1030 or MTH1035 and unlocks 14 units, leading on to 20 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before MTH2032
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
Corequisites
Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After MTH2032
14 units list MTH2032 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
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- ASP3051Relativity and cosmologyNo reviews yet
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- CHE3162Process controlNo reviews yet
- CHE3167Transport phenomena and numerical methodsNo reviews yet
- MEC3457Systems and controlNo reviews yet
- MTH3060Advanced ordinary differential equationsNo reviews yet
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Overview
This unit introduces mathematical techniques for differential equations. These equations appear in a number of physical models, such as oscillations, heat conduction and transport equations. Methods to study ordinary differential equations include separation of variables, substituting methods, variation of parameters, series solutions and numerical techniques (Euler, Heun's method). Partial differential equations describing physical models are derived, and analysed through Fourier series, separation of variables and characteristics techniques.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe various classes of ordinary and partial differential equations and the physical systems to which they apply;
- 2
Identify the differential equations that describe various physical processes including those for simple harmonic motion, diffusion, wave propagation and mass transport;
- 3
Describe the essential mathematical properties of these differential equations;
- 4
Construct solutions of differential equations using analytic and computational methods;
- 5
Appreciate the role that differential equations and their solutions play in the scientific process, in particular their use as a tool to model physical systems and allow predictions to be made and tested.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions22 hours
- Seminars36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Three 1-hour seminars;
- One 2-hour applied class (in weeks 2-12) and
- 7 hours of independent study per week.
Active learning will occur in lectures and applied classes.
Where it fits
MTH2032 is part of 14 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
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Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Ngan Le
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Ngan Le
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH2032?
You need MTH1030 or MTH1035 before you enrol; and MTH2010, MTH2019 or MTH2015 before or alongside it.
What can I take after MTH2032?
MTH2032 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 14 units, including ASP2062, ASP3012, ASP3051, ASP3162, CHE3162 and CHE3167. Those lead on to 20 units in all.
When is MTH2032 offered?
In 2026, MTH2032 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does MTH2032 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.
Which majors and minors include MTH2032?
MTH2032 is part of Applied mathematics; Astrophysics; Atmospheric science; Financial and insurance mathematics; and Mathematical statistics, and 3 other areas of study.