MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

COMSATS University Islamabad

COURSE DESCRIPTION FILE

MTH242 Differential Equations

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING

COMSATS University Islamabad Page 1

MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

COMSATS University Islamabad

COURSE DESCRIPTION FILE

MTH242 Differential Equations

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Prepared By: Checked By: Approved By:

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COMSATS University Islamabad Page 2

MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

Differential Equations
Course code:
MTH 242 (3)

Prerequisites:
Calculus I (MATH 101), Calculus II (MATH 102)

Co requisites:
None

Course Catalog Description:

This is a 3 credit hour course, comprising 3 hours of teaching per week. The course is intended to provide
the necessary knowledge of Differential Equations to engineering students. Topics include: Mathematical
and physical meaning of first order differential equations and its applications, linear differential equations,
second order linear homogeneous differential equations with constant coefficients, second order linear
non-homogeneous differential equations with variable coefficients, higher order linear differential
equations, Bessel equation, Legendre’s Equation, system of Simultaneous Linear differential equations,
series solution of differential equations, nonlinear systems of differential equations, partial differential
equations, first order partial differential equations, solution using method of separation of variables,
classifications of linear second order partial differential equations, two dimensional partial differential
equations and their solutions.

Textbook: Possibly the latest edition of the following book:

1. Dennis G. Zill and Michael R. Cullen, Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems, Seventh
Edition, Brooks/Cole, ISBN-13: 978-0-495-10836-8.

Reference Books:
2. William E. Boyce and Richard C. DiPrima, Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value
Problems, Seventh Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, ISBN 0-471-31999-6.
3. Erwin Kreyszig, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Tenth Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, ISBN 978-
0-470-64613-7.

Course Learning Objectives:

This course deals with differential equations. The main objective of this course is to inculcate in students
the abilities to apply ordinary differential equations to their respective branch of engineering; Illuminate
the partial significance of differential equations with maximum emphasis laid on their applications to
physical sciences and engineering. Students will be able to solve higher order Differential Equations and
also its applications through examples. The last part of this course has special significance with respect to
hydrodynamics and heat transfer problems and hence will be explained through examples from these
disciplines.

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MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

Course Learning Outcomes:

After successfully completing this course, the students will be able to:
1. State the different categories of differential equations. (C1-PLO1)
2. Solve first order linear differential equations. (C2-PLO1)
3. Select appropriate analytical technique to solve a higher order linear differential equation whose
solution exists. (C3-PLO1)
4. Solve partial differential equations with linear boundary conditions arising in heat transfer and wave
phenomena. (C4-PLO2)

Course Schedule:
3 credit hours/week

Topics Covered:
1. The nomenclature of Differential Equations:
• Ordinary/Partial, Linear/Nonlinear, Homogenous/Non-homogenous, autonomous/Non-
autonomous Differential Equations, Solution of a differential equation, Direction Fields, General
Solution, Particular Solution, Singular Solution. Independent and dependent sources, power
conservation theorem, permissible and impermissible circuits.
2. Methods for solving first order Differential Equations:
• Separable of variables, exact differential equation, integrating factor, solutions by substitutions.
3. Modeling with first order Differential Equations:
• Growth and Decay problems, Carbon Dating, Newton's Law of Cooling, Series Circuits.
4. Higher order Linear Differential Equations:
• Second order Linear Homogeneous and Non-homogenous Differential Equations with constant
coefficients, reduction of order, undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, linear higher
order differential equations with variable coefficients, Cauchy Euler differential equation.
5. System of Linear Differential Equations:
• Elimination Method
6. Series Solution of Linear Differential Equation:
• Series solution about ordinary points and singular points, Bessel's differential equation,
Legendre's differential equation.
7. Partial Differential Equations (PDE):
• Boundary Value Problems, Solution of Linear PDEs by Separation of Variables, Heat and Wave
Equations in One Space Dimension. Laplace equation in two space dimensions.

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MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

Assessment Plan:
Theory Quizzes (4) 15%
Homework assignments (4) 10%
Mid-term exam (in class, 60-80 minutes) 25%
Terminal exam (3 hours) 50%
Total (theory) 100%

Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan (Tentative):

Sr. # Course Learning Outcomes Assessment
1. Quiz 1
2. Quiz 2
3. Quiz 3
4. Quiz 4
5. Assignment 1
6. Assignment 2
7. Assignment 3
8. Assignment 4
9. Mid-term Exam
10. Terminal Exam
Table 1: Assessment Plan for Course Learning Outcomes

Mapping Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) to Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

PLO 1 Engineering Knowledge: An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science,
engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of complex
engineering problems.
PLO 2 Problem Analysis: An ability to identify, formulate, research literature, and analyze
complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles
of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences.
PLO 3 Design/Development of Solutions: An ability to design solutions for complex
engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet
specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural,
societal, and environmental considerations.
PLO 4 Investigation: An ability to investigate complex engineering problems in a methodical
way including literature survey, design and conduct of experiments, analysis and
interpretation of experimental data, and synthesis of information to derive valid
conclusions.

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MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

PLO 5 Modern Tool Usage: An ability to create, select and apply appropriate techniques,
resources, and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modeling, to
complex engineering activities, with an understanding of the limitations.
PLO 6 The Engineer and Society: An ability to apply reasoning informed by contextual
knowledge to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the
consequent responsibilities relevant to professional engineering practice and solution
to complex engineering problems.
PLO 7 Environment and Sustainability: An ability to understand the impact of professional
engineering solutions in societal and environmental contexts and demonstrate
knowledge of and need for sustainable development.
PLO 8 Ethics: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities
and norms of engineering practice.
PLO 9 Individual and Team Work: An ability to work effectively, as an individual or in a team,
on multifaceted and /or multidisciplinary settings.
PLO 10 Communication: An ability to communicate effectively, orally as well as in writing, on
complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at
large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design
documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.
PLO 11 Project Management: An ability to demonstrate management skills and apply
engineering principles to one’s own work, as a member and/or leader in a team, to
manage projects in a multidisciplinary environment.
PLO 12 Lifelong Learning: An ability to recognize importance of, and pursue lifelong learning in
the broader context of innovation and technological developments.

PLOs
PLO10

PLO11

PL012
PLO 9
PLO1

PLO2

PLO3

PLO4

PLO5

PLO6

PLO7

PLO8

CLOs
CLO1 C1
CLO2 C2

CLO3 C3
CLO4 C4
Table 2: Mapping CLOs to PLOs

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MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

PLO Coverage Explanation:

PLO 1- An ability to apply knowledge of math, science and engineering:
The homework, quizzes, and exams require direct application of mathematics and engineering knowledge
to successfully complete the course.
PLO 2- Mathematical Modeling of differential equations:
Students learn how fundamental mathematical concepts are used to understand the modeling,
application and solution of ordinary and partial differential equations.
PLO 3--12: These objectives are not directly addressed in this course.

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MTH242 Differential Equations Fall 2023

ANNEXURE-I
Tentative Lecture Breakdown (30 Lectures):

No. of
Detailed topics
lectures
Mathematical and Physical applications of first order differential equations 3
Linear Differential Equations, Second Order Linear Homogeneous Differential
Equations with Constant Coefficients, Second Order Linear Non-homogeneous 7
Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients.
Higher Order Linear Differential Equations, Cauchy Euler equation, Bessel Equation,
5
Legendre’s Equation
System of Simultaneous Linear Differential Equations, 2
Series Solution of Differential Equations. 5
Partial Differential Equations, First Order Partial Differential Equations, Solution of
Partial Differential Equations using Method of Separation of Variables, Classifications
8
of Linear Second Order Partial Differential Equations, Two Dimensional Partial
Differential Equations and their Solutions.
Review for Final/Terminal Exam 2

Prepared by Dr. Q. M. Zaigham Zia

Assistant Professor,
Department of Mathematics,
CIIT, Islamabad

Version Applicable From

Version 1 Fall 2016

Version 2 Spring 2017

Version 3 Fall 2017

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