Mathematics 587

Perturbation Methods in Applied Mathematics

Fall 2009

Course Homepage

Course Description.

This course is intended to provide a rigorous mathematical foundation for methods of asymptotic approximation theory and perturbation theory that are frequently called upon in applied mathematics as well as in the physical and engineering sciences.

Prerequisites.

Although ideally a student taking this course would have already had a basic course in methods of applied mathematics (such as Math 583), if the student has a good background, at the undergraduate level, in differential equations, advanced calculus (rigorous limits), complex variables and matrix algebra, he or she should be prepared for this course.

Day-to-Day Operations. 

The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 AM to 12:15 PM in room 212 of the Modern Languages Building. Our text is Applied Asymptotic Analysis by Peter D. Miller. We will follow the text fairly closely although we may not cover all of it. Occasionally, supplementary topics may be introduced. My office hours are Mondays 2-3 pm, Tuesdays 4-5 pm, and Fridays 11 am-Noon.

Note that the Friday office hour will be held in the upper division tutoring room (Math East 145).

Notes on Nonlinear Wave Analysis

Course Website: http://math.arizona.edu/~ercolani/math587.html

Office: Mathematics Building, Room 506

Email: ercolani at math.arizona.edu.

Evaluation.

There will be a take-home midterm exam and a take-home final exam and these will be the basis for the final grade.

Midterm

Final 

Exercises and problems will arise naturally as the course progresses and the class as a whole will work through these.

I will follow the University and Departmental policies on incompletes.

Withdrawal dates:

Last day to drop courses resulting in deletion of course enrollment from record is September 18, 2009.

Last day to drop with a W is October 16, 2009.

Further information is on the Fall 2009 dates and deadlines page posted by the University.

Students should take the time to become familiar with the University’s codes for academic integrity and conduct.