MXB325 Modelling with Differential Equations 2

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Among the variety of differential equations encountered in applied mathematics, equations modelling the transport of quantities such as mass and energy are especially important. This unit significantly extends your repertoire by considering models with greater mathematical complexity than you have previously encountered, drawn from and representative of a variety of important real-world applications. Such complexity necessitates greater ingenuity in the analysis and solution of the governing equations, which will harness and extend your full knowledge of modelling with differential equations.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the principles of modelling with partial differential equations.
2. Develop and analyse fundamental equations of applied mathematics that describe transport of mass, momentum and energy.
3. Communicate in writing the assumptions, outcomes and interpretation of results of modelling real phenomena with differential equations.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit blends interactive class discussion and technology-enhanced learning with presentation of theory, concepts and applications. In lectures, real-world mathematical models will be derived, discussed and used to motivate the theoretical content. Methods of solution and analysis will be developed, with technology used to aid in the understanding of concepts through visualisation and manipulation of representative solutions. Through mathematical analysis of general solution properties, you will gain an appreciation for the power of mathematical modelling at yielding new insights into real-world problems.
Workshops will provide students with the opportunity to explore these ideas further. The emphasis will be on learning by doing, learning in groups and as individuals, written and oral communication, and developing skills and attitudes to promote life-long learning.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative feedback will be provided for the in-semester assessment items by way of written comments, student perusal of marked assessment pieces and informal interview as required.

Summative feedback will be provided throughout the semester with progressive posting of results via Canvas.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment items in this unit are designed to determine your level of competency in meeting the unit learning outcomes while providing you with a range of tasks with varying levels of skill development and difficulty.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

This task will provide you with an opportunity to exhibit newly acquired skills in the early material covered in the unit. This will also give you experience with the style of examination question used in your final exam.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Case Study

This assessment will provide you with the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to solve a real-world problem using analytical solution techniques. You will also be able to demonstrate appropriate communication skills.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Examination (invigilated)

The final exam will provide you with an opportunity to exhibit your newly acquired levels of knowledge and expertise in the material covered in this unit.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of ordinary risks associated with this unit.