Course, master’s level
7.5 credits
Malmö | daytime | 50%
10 November 2025 - 18 January 2026
Course code: MA621E

About the course

The course objective is for the student to gain an overview of theory and methods within the area of multivariable analysis targeting optimisation problems.The student is also given an introduction to partial differential equations. These principles contains the foundations for the whole chain of modelling used to solve the problems that emerge within materials science.

This course is offered as part of programme:

Course content

Part I: Functions of several variables

• Differential calculus for functions of several variables
• Optimisation problems
• Vector analysis

Part II: Introduction to partial differential equations

• Linear partial differential equations of first order
• General introduction to initial and boundary value problems, classification of linear partial differential equations of second order
• Wave equation: unbounded and bounded string (Fourier’s method), variable separation, Duhamel’s principle, energy and unicity
• Heat transfer equation: separation of variables, Duhamel’s principle, energy and unicity

Entry requirements

1. Degree of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering or a degree in a related field. All degrees must be equivalent to at least 180 higher education credits.
2. At least 22.5 credits of Mathematics.
3. The equivalent of English 6 in Swedish secondary school

Course literature

Course evaluation

The University provides students who are taking or have completed a course with the opportunity to share their experiences of and opinions about the course in the form of a course evaluation that is arranged by the University. The University compiles the course evaluations and notifies the results and any decisions regarding actions brought about by the course evaluations. The results shall be kept available for the students. (HF 1:14).

Contact