MTH4060 Advanced ordinary differential equations
Faculty of Science
MTH4060 Advanced ordinary differential equations is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review MTH4060.
Requisites
Before MTH4060
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH4060
No unit lists MTH4060 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.
Enrolment rules
COREQUISITE: You must be enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Mathematics or the Master of Mathematics.
PROHIBITION: MTH3060
Overview
This unit examines two particular classes of ordinary differential equations: dynamical systems and boundary-value problems. The investigation of boundary-value problems considers series methods, Green’s functions, Sturm-Liouville eigenvalues problems and orthogonal polynomials. The second topic of dynamical systems considers analytical and numerical methods for planar autonomous systems, classification of critical points using eigenvalues and eigenvectors and perturbation methods for periodic and nearly periodic motion. Programming skills are developed in the context of the analytic and numerical investigation of advanced ordinary differential equations using MATLAB.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 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
Apply analytical and numerical methods to solve advanced ordinary differential equations, including Sturm–Liouville problems, series solutions, and Green’s functions;
- 2
Analyse the qualitative behaviour of dynamical systems by classifying critical points, studying stability, and applying perturbation methods for periodic and near-periodic motion;
- 3
Demonstrate how differential equations model real-world phenomena, integrating theory, computation, and interpretation in applied contexts;
- 4
Communicate reasoning and results in differential equations effectively, both orally and in writing, and collaborate in small groups to solve problems;
- 5
Develop a deeper understanding of advanced ordinary differential equations through rigorous synthesis, independent analysis, and application to complex or novel systems.
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.
Learning resources
Required resources
C.H. Edwards & D.E. Penney, Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 3rd edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall, Hargrave Andrew Library 514.5 E26D 2004.;
E. Kreyszig, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 10th edition, Wiley, Hargrave-Andrew Library 510.2462 K92A 2011.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Theodore Vo
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Alina Donea
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH4060?
MTH4060 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MTH4060 offered?
In 2027, MTH4060 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does MTH4060 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.