APP MTH 7035 - Modelling with Ordinary Differential Equations

Differential equation models describe a wide range of complex problems in biology, engineering, physical sciences, economics and finance. This course focuses on ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and develops students' skills in the formulation, solution, understanding and interpretation of coupled ODE models. A range of important biological problems, from areas such as resource management, population dynamics, and public health, drives the study of analytical and numerical techniques for systems of nonlinear ODEs. A key aim of the course is building practical skills that can be applied in a wide range of scientific, business and research settings. Topics covered are: analytical methods for systems of ODEs, including vector fields, fixed points, phase-plane analysis, linearization of nonlinear systems, bifurcations; general theory on existence and approximation of ODE solutions; biological modelling; explicit and implicit numerical methods for ODE initial value problems, computational error, consistency, convergence, stability of a numerical method, ill-conditioned and stiff problems.