FIRST COURSE IN PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

This textbook gives an introduction to Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), for any reader wishing to learn and understand the basic concepts, theory, and solution techniques of elementary PDEs. The only prerequisite is an undergraduate course in Ordinary Differential Equations. This work contains a comprehensive treatment of the standard second-order linear PDEs, the heat equation, wave equation, and Laplaces equation. First-order and some common nonlinear PDEs arising in the physical and life sciences, with their solutions, are also covered.

This textbook includes an introduction to Fourier series and their properties, an introduction to regular Sturm-Liouville boundary value problems, special functions of mathematical physics, a treatment of nonhomogeneous equations and boundary conditions using methods such as Duhamels principle, and an introduction to the finite difference technique for the numerical approximation of solutions. All results have been rigorously justified or precise references to justifications in more advanced sources have been cited. Appendices providing a background in complex analysis and linear algebra are also included for readers with limited prior exposure to those subjects.

The textbook includes material from which instructors could create a one- or two-semester course in PDEs. Students may also study this material in preparation for a graduate school (masters or doctoral) course in PDEs.