UnitLevel 4Undergraduate and Postgraduate

MTH4340 Numerical methods for partial differential equations

Faculty of Science

MTH4340 Numerical methods for partial differential equations is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2025
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 60%
and 1 other task

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before MTH4340

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After MTH4340

No unit lists MTH4340 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.

Enrolment rules

PROHIBITION: MTH3340

PREREQUISITE: You must be enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Mathematics or the Master of Mathematics.

Overview

Partial differential equations are ubiquitous in many domains of sciences and industry, as they model phenomena with spatial and temporal variations. Most of these models are too complex to be exactly solved, and numerical methods are the only way to gather quantitative behaviour on the solutions. This unit covers the design, analysis and implementation of numerical methods for partial differential equations. Topics covered can include finite difference methods, finite element methods, finite volume methods, error analysis, elliptic equations, parabolic equations, implementation in dynamic languages (such as Python or Julia). The focus will be on the design of the methods, their mathematical analysis, and their implementation and numerical testing.

Offerings in 2025

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Continuous assessmentDemonstration
    40%
  • Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination
    60%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Critically evaluate and articulate the necessity of numerical methods for obtaining quantitative information on the solutions to partial differential equations;

  2. 2

    Design, analyse, and rigorously assess the convergence and stability of numerical methods for a wide range of partial differential equations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the underlying mathematical principles;

  3. 3

    Select and justify the use of advanced discretisation techniques based on their specific characteristics and the features of the considered mathematical model, showcasing expertise in tailoring methods to complex problems;

  4. 4

    Implement advanced numerical methods in high-level programming languages such as Python or Julia, and critically interpret and analyse the resulting numerical outputs, demonstrating proficiency in computational skills;

  5. 5

    Communicate complex theoretical and practical numerical problems involving partial differential equations with clarity and precision, both in written and oral forms, suitable for academic and professional audiences.

Workload and teaching

  • Seminars36 hours
  • Applied sessions22 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

We will use a blend of lectures, applied classes and labs. Lectures will enable us, as usual in mathematics, to deliver the main content of the unit   albeit in an interactive way, questioning your understanding and welcoming questions from you. Applied classes revolve around you actively solving exercises, putting in practice the content covered in the lectures; this is an essential way of assimilating that content. Labs will be focused around practical implementation of the methods, the issues around those and the interpretation of the numerical outputs.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Professor Santiago Badia
Chief Examiners
Professor Santiago Badia

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTH4340?

MTH4340 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is MTH4340 offered?

In 2025, MTH4340 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does MTH4340 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
4
Study level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Mathematics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
202520262027