Content

This course introduces the concept of differential equation. It presents some interesting theoretical aspects for a physicist (notion of Cauchy problem, existence and uniqueness of a solution, stability of a fixed point, numerical integration techniques) but especially the different traditional techniques of solving ordinary differential equations (linear ODE of the 1st order, method of variation of constants, ODE with separable variables, homogeneous, Bernouilli, linear ODE of the 2nd order, systems of linear ODE, resonance phenomena).

Assessment method

The evaluation is based on a single written exam. This exam will consist of a theoretical part (a question whose answer is based on a part of the course) counting for about 1/5 of the points and exercises in the form of ODE solutions (such as illustrations from the lecture as well as exercises from the tutorial sessions) counting for about 4/5 of the points.

Sources, references and any support material

V. Arnol'd: Ordinary differential equations E. Hairer, S.P. Nørsett and G. Wanner: Solving Ordinary Differential Equations I. Nonstiff problems L. Pontriaguine: Ordinary differential equations G. Sansone and R. Conti: Non-linear differential equations Z. Zhang: Qualitative theory of differential equations

Language of instruction

Français
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Physics Standard 0 2
Bachelor in Physics Standard 1 2