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Jeffrey R. Chasnov

This course is all about differential equations and covers both theory and applications. In the first five weeks, students will learn about ordinary differential equations, while the sixth week is an introduction to partial differential equations.

The course includes 56 concise lecture videos, with a few problems to solve after each lecture. After each major topic, there is a short practice quiz. At the end of each week, there is an assessed quiz. Solutions to the problems and practice quizzes can be found in the instructor-provided lecture notes.

Download the lecture notes from the link

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This course is all about differential equations and covers both theory and applications. In the first five weeks, students will learn about ordinary differential equations, while the sixth week is an introduction to partial differential equations.

The course includes 56 concise lecture videos, with a few problems to solve after each lecture. After each major topic, there is a short practice quiz. At the end of each week, there is an assessed quiz. Solutions to the problems and practice quizzes can be found in the instructor-provided lecture notes.

Download the lecture notes from the link

https://www.math.hkust.edu.hk/~machas/differential-equations-for-engineers.pdf

Watch the promotional video from the link

https://youtu.be/eSty7oo09ZI

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What's inside

Syllabus

First-Order Differential Equations
A differential equation is an equation for a function with one or more of its derivatives. We introduce different types of differential equations and how to classify them. We then discuss the Euler method for numerically solving a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE). We learn analytical methods for solving separable and linear first-order ODEs, with an explanation of the theory followed by illustrative solutions of some simple ODEs. Finally, we explore three real-world examples of first-order ODEs: compound interest, the terminal velocity of a falling mass, and the resistor-capacitor electrical circuit.
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores differential equations, a fundamental concept in engineering, science, and technology
Taught by Jeffrey R. Chasnov, a respected professor with research interests in differential equations, partial differential equations, and applications of mathematics
Develops a strong foundation in the theory and application of differential equations, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners
Covers a wide range of topics, including first-order differential equations, linear differential equations, Laplace transforms, and partial differential equations
Provides practice problems, quizzes, and lecture notes to enhance understanding and reinforce concepts
Requires a strong background in calculus and linear algebra

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Reviews summary

Differential equations for engineers overview

According to learners, this course offers a solid theoretical foundation in differential equations, particularly ODEs. Many highlight the clarity and effectiveness of the instructor's lectures, finding complex topics easy to grasp. The provided lecture notes are frequently praised as a valuable resource complementing the videos. While the course is well-structured with helpful practice problems and quizzes, some learners found the pace to be quite fast, suggesting a need for a solid prerequisite background. The introduction to partial differential equations is noted as brief, and a desire for more in-depth, real-world engineering applications beyond basic examples was expressed by several students.
Partial differential equations coverage is brief.
"The introduction to partial differential equations in the last week is very brief."
"Felt the PDE part was just a quick overview compared to the ODE depth."
"It serves as an introduction, but isn't enough if you need deep PDE knowledge."
Problems and quizzes aid understanding.
"The practice problems after each lecture were essential for reinforcing concepts."
"Quizzes were challenging but effective in testing understanding."
"Learned a lot by working through the assigned problems."
The provided PDF notes are very useful.
"The lecture notes are an excellent resource for following the lectures and for review."
"I found the downloadable PDF notes to be incredibly helpful as a reference."
"Having the comprehensive notes available offline was a big plus."
Instructor's teaching is highly effective.
"The instructor explains the concepts very clearly and makes it easy to follow along."
"His ability to make complex topics understandable is fantastic."
"Lectures were well-structured and delivered with great clarity."
Could use more diverse engineering examples.
"While the theory is solid, I wished for more complex or diverse engineering applications."
"The examples were good for illustration but felt a bit basic for 'engineers'."
"Would benefit from connecting the theory to more practical, real-world engineering problems."
Course moves quickly, requires prerequisites.
"The course pace is quite fast; definitely review calculus basics beforehand."
"It can be challenging if you are new to the subject or haven't practiced math in a while."
"I sometimes had to pause and rewatch sections to keep up."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Differential Equations for Engineers with these activities:
Organize and Review Course Materials
Stay organized and reinforce your learning by reviewing and compiling course materials.
Show steps
  • Collect and organize all lecture notes, assignments, and other course materials.
  • Review the materials regularly to refresh your understanding.
  • Identify areas where you need further clarification and seek additional resources.
Differential Equations Review
Review the fundamentals of differential equations to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbook from previous courses on differential equations.
  • Solve practice problems to test your understanding.
Follow YouTube Tutorials on Differential Equations
Reinforce your understanding of concepts by watching and following along with video tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for YouTube videos on specific topics you want to review.
  • Take notes and pause the videos to solve problems yourself.
  • Review the videos multiple times to reinforce your understanding.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve Differential Equation Practice Problems
Improve your problem-solving skills and strengthen your understanding of different techniques.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
  • Allocate dedicated time to solving the problems.
  • Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with the instructor for feedback.
Create a Summary of Differential Equation Concepts
Solidify your understanding by creating a comprehensive summary of key concepts.
Show steps
  • Review your notes and identify the most important concepts.
  • Organize the concepts into a logical structure.
  • Write a clear and concise summary using your own words.
Join a Study Group for Differential Equations
Collaborate with peers to discuss concepts, solve problems, and enhance your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with classmates.
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule.
  • Take turns presenting concepts and leading discussions.
Participate in Differential Equation Competitions or Hackathons
Challenge yourself and test your skills by participating in competitions or hackathons.
Show steps
  • Research and find differential equation competitions or hackathons.
  • Form a team or participate individually.
  • Practice solving differential equations and develop strategies.
Mentor a Junior or High School Student in Differential Equations
Enhance your understanding by teaching and guiding others, while making a positive impact.
Show steps
  • Identify a student who needs help with differential equations.
  • Establish a regular tutoring schedule.
  • Prepare lesson plans and materials to support the student's learning.

Career center

Learners who complete Differential Equations for Engineers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers design systems to manage and control a wide variety of processes, from manufacturing to energy production. Engineers in this role may use differential equations to model and analyze control systems, identify potential problems, and develop solutions to improve system performance. This course provides a solid foundation in differential equations, which can help a Control Systems Engineer build the skills necessary to design and implement effective control systems.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems. Differential equations are used in many aspects of electrical engineering, such as circuit analysis, power systems, and control systems. This course provides a strong foundation in differential equations, which can help an Electrical Engineer build the skills needed to analyze and design electrical systems effectively.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems, such as engines, robots, and medical devices. Differential equations are used in many aspects of mechanical engineering, such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and structural analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in differential equations, which can help a Mechanical Engineer build the skills needed to analyze and design mechanical systems effectively.
Physicist
Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. Differential equations are used in many areas of physics, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. This course provides a strong foundation in differential equations, which can help a Physicist build the skills needed to understand and describe the physical world.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems, such as computer networks, manufacturing systems, and transportation systems. Differential equations are used in many aspects of systems engineering, such as system modeling, simulation, and control. This course provides a strong foundation in differential equations, which can help a Systems Engineer build the skills needed to analyze and design complex systems effectively.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods for extracting and producing oil and gas. Differential equations are used in many aspects of petroleum engineering, such as reservoir simulation, wellbore analysis, and production optimization. This course provides a strong foundation in differential equations, which can help a Petroleum Engineer build the skills needed to analyze and design petroleum systems effectively.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use their knowledge of mathematics and statistics to extract insights from data and solve business problems. Differential equations are used in a variety of data science applications, such as time series analysis, forecasting, and modeling complex systems. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of differential equations, which can help a Data Scientist build the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and governments make informed decisions. Differential equations are used in a variety of statistical applications, such as survival analysis, queueing theory, and image processing. This course provides a solid foundation in differential equations, which can help a Statistician build the skills needed to analyze and interpret data effectively.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use their knowledge of mathematics and economics to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. Differential equations are used in a variety of financial applications, such as stock pricing, risk management, and portfolio optimization. This course provides a solid foundation in differential equations, which can help a Financial Analyst build the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use their knowledge of mathematics and statistics to solve complex business problems. Differential equations are used in a variety of operations research applications, such as scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. This course provides a solid foundation in differential equations, which can help an Operations Research Analyst build the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer software. Differential equations are used in a variety of software applications, such as computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and robotics. This course provides a solid foundation in differential equations, which can help a Software Engineer build the skills needed to develop software that is efficient and effective.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as manuals, reports, and articles. Differential equations are often used in technical documentation. This course provides a solid foundation in differential equations, which can help a Technical Writer understand and communicate technical concepts effectively.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. Differential equations are used in some web development applications, such as animation and interactive simulations. This course provides a foundation in differential equations, which can help a Web Developer build the skills needed to develop more engaging and dynamic websites.
Writer
Writers create and edit written content, such as books, articles, and speeches. Differential equations are sometimes used in creative writing, for example, to describe the motion of a character in a story. This course provides a foundation in differential equations, which can help a Writer understand and use this tool effectively in their writing.
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels, from kindergarten through college. Differential equations are taught in many high school and college math classes. This course provides a strong foundation in differential equations, which can help a Teacher prepare to teach this subject to students.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Differential Equations for Engineers.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to ordinary and partial differential equations, with a focus on boundary-value problems. It is written in a clear and concise style, with a wealth of worked examples and exercises to help students understand the material.
Classic textbook on differential equations, with a strong emphasis on applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including ordinary and partial differential equations, boundary-value problems, and numerical methods.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to partial differential equations, with a focus on the applications to engineering and the physical sciences.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the applications of differential equations in engineering and the physical sciences.
Provides a rigorous and comprehensive introduction to differential equations and dynamical systems, with a focus on the qualitative theory.
Provides a comprehensive and advanced treatment of nonlinear partial differential equations, with a focus on the applications to engineering and the physical sciences.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to differential equations, with a focus on the applications to engineering and the physical sciences.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to differential equations, with a focus on the historical development of the subject.
Provides a comprehensive and advanced treatment of differential equations, with a focus on the modern methods and applications.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to differential equations, with a focus on the applications to engineering and the applied sciences.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to differential equations and boundary value problems, with a focus on the use of computing and modeling.
Provides a comprehensive and advanced treatment of differential equations, with a focus on the methods and applications.

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