MT4511 Asymptotic Methods

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

9.00 am Mon (even weeks), Tue and Thu

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof A L Wilmot-Smith

Prof A L Wilmot-Smith
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is designed to introduce students to asymptotic methods used in the construction of analytical approximations to integrals and solutions of differential equations.

Relationship to other modules

Co-requisites

IF NOT ALREADY PASSED YOU MUST TAKE MT3504

Assessment pattern

Written Examination = 90%, Coursework = 10%

Re-assessment

Oral examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2.5 lectures (x 10 weeks) and 1 tutorial (x 10 weeks).

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a familiarity with basic elements of approximation theory, the role of asymptotic series, and associated mathematical notation such as the order symbols
  • Describe a number of special functions and use them in calculations
  • Understand and be able to apply a range of techniques for the asymptotic approximation of integrals, including Watson's Lemma, Laplace's Method and the Method of Stationary Phase
  • Understand the role of various asymptotic methods for approximating the solutions of ordinary differential equations (including the method of multiple scales, the method of strained parameters, the method of matched asymptotic expansions, and the WKBJ method) and be able to both select and apply these techniques to a range of problems
  • Evaluate problems to determine the most appropriate asymptotic solution technique, and to assess the validity of approximate solutions obtained.