This course provides a comprehensive study of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), focusing on both theoretical concepts and solution techniques. It begins with the classification and solution of linear and non-linear first-order ODEs, followed by an in-depth exploration of second-order ODEs, including the concepts of linear dependence and independence of solutions. Various methods for solving second-order equations are introduced, such as the method of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, and reduction of order. The course also covers advanced techniques like the Laplace Transform for solving initial value problems and the application of Fourier series for representing periodic solutions. Sturm-Liouville problems are studied as a framework for solving boundary value problems and understanding eigenfunction expansions. Additionally, the course addresses the solution of systems of linear ODEs using matrix methods and eigenvalue analysis. This course equips students with the mathematical tools necessary to model and analyze real-world dynamic systems in science and engineering.

Differential Equations and Applications

What you'll learn
Solve linear and nonlinear first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs), systems of linear ODEs using standard analytical techniques.
Analyze and solve second-order ODEs using various methods, including the study of linear dependence and independence of solutions.
Use Laplace transforms to solve ODE initial value problems, and apply Fourier series with Sturm–Liouville theory to solve boundary value problems.
Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile
May 2026
115 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 10 modules in this course
In this module, differential equations will be introduced. The learner will understand the concept of order, degree of ordinary differential equation, examining various types of solutions, and demonstrating how to form a differential equation from a given solution.
What's included
11 videos3 readings10 assignments
11 videos•Total 65 minutes
- Course & Instructor - Introductory Video •3 minutes
- Introduction•2 minutes
- What is a Differential Equation?•7 minutes
- Order of a Differential Equation•5 minutes
- Degree of a Differential Equation•12 minutes
- Classification of Differential Equations•8 minutes
- Applications of Differential Equations•7 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Solution of a Differential Equation•5 minutes
- Formation of Differential Equation•6 minutes
- Example•4 minutes
3 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Course Overview•10 minutes
- Introduction to Differential Equations•15 minutes
- Solution of a Differential Equation•15 minutes
10 assignments•Total 30 minutes
- Quiz: Introduction•3 minutes
- Quiz: What is a Differential Equation?•3 minutes
- Quiz: Order of a Differential Equation•3 minutes
- Quiz: Degree of a Differential Equation•3 minutes
- Quiz: Classification of Differential Equations•3 minutes
- Quiz: Applications of Differential Equations•3 minutes
- Quiz: Introduction•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solution of a Differential Equation•3 minutes
- Quiz: Formation of Differential Equation•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example•3 minutes
This module introduces various methods for solving first-order ordinary differential equations. Topics covered include separable equations, homogeneous equations and their reducible forms, linear differential equations, Bernoulli's equation, and exact and non-exact differential equations, including the use of integrating factors. The module concludes with illustrative examples.
What's included
9 videos1 reading10 assignments
9 videos•Total 69 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Variables Separable•5 minutes
- Homogeneous Equations•12 minutes
- Differential Equations Reducible to Homogeneous•11 minutes
- Linear Differential equations•6 minutes
- Bernoulli’s equation•7 minutes
- Exact Differential Equation•6 minutes
- Non -Exact Differential Equation•7 minutes
- Non -Exact Differential Equation-solution•10 minutes
1 reading•Total 15 minutes
- Linear differential equations constant coefficients•15 minutes
10 assignments•Total 87 minutes
- Graded Quiz for Week 1 and 2•60 minutes
- Quiz: Introduction•3 minutes
- Quiz: Variables Separable•3 minutes
- Quiz: Homogeneous Equations•3 minutes
- Quiz: Differential Equations Reducible to Homogeneous•3 minutes
- Quiz: Linear Differential equations•3 minutes
- Quiz: Bernoulli’s equation•3 minutes
- Quiz: Exact Differential Equation•3 minutes
- Quiz: Non -Exact Differential Equation•3 minutes
- Quiz: Non -Exact Differential Equation-solution•3 minutes
In this module we will discuss various real world applications which result in ordinary differential equations of first order and also how to solve them by using appropriate methods.
What's included
8 videos1 reading8 assignments
8 videos•Total 64 minutes
- Introduction•7 minutes
- Growth and Decay•9 minutes
- Newton’s law of cooling•7 minutes
- Dynamics of tumour growth•6 minutes
- Electric circuits•9 minutes
- Orthogonal Trajectories•7 minutes
- Orthogonal Trajectories•10 minutes
- Economics•9 minutes
1 reading•Total 15 minutes
- Applications of first order differential equations•15 minutes
8 assignments•Total 24 minutes
- Quiz: Introduction•3 minutes
- Quiz: Growth and Decay•3 minutes
- Quiz: Newton’s law of cooling•3 minutes
- Quiz: Dynamics of tumour growth•3 minutes
- Quiz: Electric circuits•3 minutes
- Quiz: Orthogonal Trajectories•3 minutes
- Quiz: Orthogonal Trajectories•3 minutes
- Quiz: Economics•3 minutes
In this module,we will discuss higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients. It consists of homogeneous and non homogeneous types. It covers the method to find particular solutions for different cases.
What's included
10 videos2 readings11 assignments
10 videos•Total 86 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Solution•9 minutes
- Example -1•6 minutes
- Example -2•8 minutes
- General and Particular Solution•5 minutes
- Particular solution with eax•10 minutes
- Particular solution with sin(bx) or Cos(bx)•14 minutes
- Particular solution with polynomials•10 minutes
- Particular solution with eaxV•9 minutes
- Examples•8 minutes
2 readings•Total 30 minutes
- Homogeneous Equations•15 minutes
- Non – Homogeneous Equations•15 minutes
11 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Graded Quiz for Week 3 and 4•60 minutes
- Quiz: Introduction•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solution•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example -1•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example -2•3 minutes
- Quiz: General and Particular Solution•3 minutes
- Quiz: Particular solution with eax•3 minutes
- Quiz: Particular solution with sin(bx) or Cos(bx)•3 minutes
- Quiz: Particular solution with polynomials•3 minutes
- Quiz: Particular solution with eaxV•3 minutes
- Quiz: Examples•3 minutes
In this module,we will discuss laplace transformation and its properties. Laplace transform of different functions and special functions. We will also discuss Laplace transform of derivatives and integrals
What's included
12 videos3 readings12 assignments
12 videos•Total 86 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Definition•12 minutes
- Properties of Laplace Transform•14 minutes
- Examples•8 minutes
- Examples•7 minutes
- Special Functions•6 minutes
- Definition•3 minutes
- Examples•4 minutes
- Properties•6 minutes
- Examples•8 minutes
- Examples•7 minutes
- Convolution Theorems•6 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
- Laplace Transformation•10 minutes
- Inverse Laplace Transforms•10 minutes
- Applications of Laplace Transforms•10 minutes
12 assignments•Total 36 minutes
- Quiz: Introduction•3 minutes
- Quiz: Definition•3 minutes
- Quiz: Properties of Laplace Transform•3 minutes
- Quiz: Examples•3 minutes
- Quiz: Examples•3 minutes
- Quiz: Special Functions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Definition•3 minutes
- Quiz: Examples•3 minutes
- Quiz: Properties•3 minutes
- Quiz: Examples•3 minutes
- Quiz: Examples•3 minutes
- Quiz: Convolution Theorem•3 minutes
What's included
15 videos3 readings15 assignments
15 videos•Total 78 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Solving First-Order Homogeneous ODEs Using Laplace Transform•5 minutes
- Solving Second-Order Homogeneous ODEs Using Laplace Transform•3 minutes
- Solving Homogeneous ODEs involving partial fractions with distinct real roots•7 minutes
- Solving Homogeneous ODEs involving partial fractions with repeated roots•7 minutes
- Solving Homogeneous ODEs involving irreducible quadratic equations•6 minutes
- Steps to Solve•5 minutes
- Solving Non-Homogeneous ODE with f(t) = tneat•6 minutes
- Solving boundary value problem using Laplace transform method•8 minutes
- Solving an ODE in LC-circuit using Laplace transform method•6 minutes
- Non-homogeneous ODE with Heaviside functions•6 minutes
- Non-Homogeneous ODE with Delta functions•6 minutes
- Non-Homogeneous ODE using convolution theorem•6 minutes
- Non-homogeneous ODE with Integral forcing function•3 minutes
- Module Wrap Up Video•1 minute
3 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Solution of Homogeneous ODE using Laplace Transform•15 minutes
- Solution of Non-homogeneous ODE using Laplace Transform•10 minutes
- Non-Homogeneous ODE with Heaviside Functions•15 minutes
15 assignments•Total 102 minutes
- Graded Quiz for Week 5 and 6•60 minutes
- Quiz: Introduction•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving First-Order Homogeneous ODEs Using Laplace Transform•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving Second-Order Homogeneous ODEs Using Laplace Transform•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving Homogeneous ODEs involving partial fractions with distinct real roots•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving Homogeneous ODEs involving partial fractions with repeated roots•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving Homogeneous ODEs involving irreducible quadratic equations•3 minutes
- Quiz: Steps to Solve•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving Non-Homogeneous ODE with f(t) = tneat•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving boundary value problem using Laplace transform method•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving an ODE in LC-circuit using Laplace transform method•3 minutes
- Quiz: Non-homogeneous ODE with Heaviside functions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Non-Homogeneous ODE with Delta functions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Non-Homogeneous ODE using convolution theorem•3 minutes
- Quiz: Non-homogeneous ODE with Integral forcing function•3 minutes
In this module, you will learn about periodic functions, orthogonality of sine and cosine function. Fourier series is introduced and Euler’s formula to obtain Fourier series of periodic functions with period 2П is derived. Then the convergence of Fourier series is discussed along with some examples. Finally,Gibbs phenomenon is introduced.
What's included
11 videos3 readings10 assignments
11 videos•Total 64 minutes
- Definition of Periodic Function•3 minutes
- Piecewise and Discontinuous Periodic Functions•4 minutes
- Properties of Periodic Function•8 minutes
- Orthogonality of Trigonometric Functions•8 minutes
- Derivation of Euler’s Formula•9 minutes
- Computation of Fourier Series for an Example•4 minutes
- Sum of a Fourier Series•8 minutes
- Proof of Convergence Theorem•6 minutes
- Example of Convergent Fourier Series•5 minutes
- Gibbs Phenomenon•7 minutes
- Module Wrap Up Video•1 minute
3 readings•Total 25 minutes
- Periodic functions and series representation•5 minutes
- Euler Formula•5 minutes
- Convergence of Fourier Series•15 minutes
10 assignments•Total 30 minutes
- Quiz: Definition of Periodic Function•3 minutes
- Quiz: Piecewise and Discontinuous Periodic Functions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Properties of Periodic Function•3 minutes
- Quiz: Orthogonality of Trigonometric Functions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Derivation of Euler’s Formula•3 minutes
- Quiz: Computation of Fourier Series for an Example•3 minutes
- Quiz: Sum of a Fourier Series•3 minutes
- Quiz: Proof of Convergence Theorem•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of Convergent Fourier Series•3 minutes
- Quiz: Gibbs Phenomenon•3 minutes
In this module, you will understand the concepts of even functions, odd functions. You will be able to find Fourier series of functions with arbitrary periods and simplify the Fourier series of even and odd functions. You will learn to find Fourier series with half range expansions and will be able to apply the concepts for some applications. In this module, Parseval’s identity will be introduced and will be able to apply it.
What's included
14 videos3 readings13 assignments
14 videos•Total 74 minutes
- Extension of Fourier Series to Function with Arbitrary Period•6 minutes
- Example of a Function with Arbitrary Period•8 minutes
- Even and Odd Functions•9 minutes
- Fourier Series of Even and Odd Functions•5 minutes
- Example of Fourier Series of Even Function•5 minutes
- Example of Fourier Series of Odd Function•7 minutes
- Concept of Half Range Expansion•2 minutes
- Example of Even Periodic Extension•8 minutes
- Example of Odd Periodic Extension•6 minutes
- Application of Fourier Series to Solve ODE•3 minutes
- Application of Fourier Series to solve an ODE Example•2 minutes
- Idea of Parseval’s Identity•9 minutes
- Application of Parseval’s Identity•3 minutes
- Module Wrap Up Video•1 minute
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
- Fourier Series of functions with arbitrary period, odd and even functions•15 minutes
- Half Range Expansion and Application•10 minutes
- Parseval’s Identity•5 minutes
13 assignments•Total 96 minutes
- Graded Quiz for Week 7 and 8•60 minutes
- Quiz: Extension of Fourier Series to Function with Arbitrary Period•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of a Function with Arbitrary Period•3 minutes
- Quiz: Even and Odd Functions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Fourier Series of Even and Odd Functions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of Fourier Series of Even Function•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of Fourier Series of Odd Function•3 minutes
- Quiz: Concept of Half Range Expansion•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of Even Periodic Extension•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of Odd Periodic Extension•3 minutes
- Quiz: Application of Fourier Series to Solve ODE•3 minutes
- Quiz: Idea of Parseval’s Identity•3 minutes
- Quiz: Application of Parseval’s Identity•3 minutes
In this module, you will understand the concepts of boundary value problem, eigenvalue and eigenfunction, Sturm Liouville problem. You will be able to apply the orthogonality of eigen functions of Sturm Liouville Problem. Generalized Fourier series will be introduced and will learn about Fourier Legendre series and Fourier Bessel series.
What's included
12 videos3 readings11 assignments
12 videos•Total 59 minutes
- Definition of Sturm Liouville Equation and Problem•2 minutes
- Boundary value problem•5 minutes
- Eigenvalue and Eigenfunction•6 minutes
- Lagrange’s Identity•2 minutes
- Orthogonality of Eigenfunctions with respect to a function•7 minutes
- Proof of Orthogonality of Eigen functions of Sturm Liouville Problem•5 minutes
- Sturm–Liouville Problem as a Self-Adjoint Operator•6 minutes
- Application of Orthogonal Eigenfunctions•3 minutes
- Generalized Fourier series•6 minutes
- Fourier Legendre Series•9 minutes
- Fourier Bessel Series•7 minutes
- Module Wrap Up Video•1 minute
3 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Sturm Liouville Problem•15 minutes
- Orthogonal Functions and Application•15 minutes
- Generalized Fourier series, Legendre series, Bessel series•10 minutes
11 assignments•Total 33 minutes
- Quiz: Definition of Sturm Liouville Equation and Problem•3 minutes
- Quiz: Boundary value problem•3 minutes
- Quiz: Eigenvalue and Eigenfunction•3 minutes
- Quiz: Lagrange’s Identity•3 minutes
- Quiz: Orthogonality of Eigenfunctions with respect to a function•3 minutes
- Quiz: Proof of Orthogonality of Eigen functions of Sturm Liouville Problem•3 minutes
- Quiz: Sturm–Liouville Problem as a Self-Adjoint Operator•3 minutes
- Quiz: Application of Orthogonal Eigenfunctions•3 minutes
- Quiz: Generalized Fourier series•3 minutes
- Quiz: Fourier Legendre Series•3 minutes
- Quiz: Fourier Bessel Series•3 minutes
In this module, you will understand the concept of linear system of ODE. The theory of eigenvalue, eigen function and diagonalization of a matrix will be revisited. You will be able to solve the uncoupled linear system using method of separation of variable. Depending on matrix A, you will learn to find the general solution, the linear system of ODE using appropriate methods. Finally, you will be able to apply the concepts to solve initial value problems.
What's included
15 videos4 readings15 assignments
15 videos•Total 60 minutes
- Definition of Linear system of ODE•5 minutes
- Uncoupled linear system•4 minutes
- Method to solve uncoupled linear system•4 minutes
- Example of an uncoupled linear system•4 minutes
- Eigenvalues and eigenvectors•5 minutes
- Diagonalization of a matrix•5 minutes
- Example of Linear system of ODE with A as a diagonal matrix•3 minutes
- General solution of x=Ax where A is a diagonal matrix•4 minutes
- General solution of x=Ax where A is a diagonal matrix•5 minutes
- Definition of eAt and deAtdt•5 minutes
- Some results about eAt•2 minutes
- Fundamental theorem for Linear system•5 minutes
- Solving Initial Value Problem•2 minutes
- Solving second order differential equation as a linear system•7 minutes
- Module Wrap Up Video•2 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Linear System of ODE and uncoupled system•10 minutes
- Diagonalization•10 minutes
- Solution of system of linear ODE•10 minutes
- Course Summary•10 minutes
15 assignments•Total 129 minutes
- Graded Quiz for Week 9 and 10•60 minutes
- Quiz: Definition of Linear system of ODE•3 minutes
- Quiz: Uncoupled linear system•3 minutes
- Quiz: Method to solve uncoupled linear system•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of an uncoupled linear system•3 minutes
- Quiz: Eigenvalues and eigenvectors•3 minutes
- Quiz: Diagonalization of a matrix•3 minutes
- Quiz: Example of Linear system of ODE with A as a diagonal matrix•3 minutes
- Quiz: General solution of x=Ax where A is a diagonal matrix•3 minutes
- Quiz: General solution of x=Ax where A is a diagonal matrix•3 minutes
- Quiz: Definition of eAt and deAtdt•3 minutes
- Quiz: Some results about eAt•30 minutes
- Quiz: Fundamental theorem for Linear system•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving Initial Value Problem•3 minutes
- Quiz: Solving second order differential equation as a linear system•3 minutes
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Degree · 3-6 years
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
Instructor

Offered by

Offered by

Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is one of only ten private universities in India to be recognised as an Institute of Eminence by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. It has been consistently ranked high by both governmental and private ranking agencies for its innovative processes and capabilities that have enabled it to impart quality education and emerge as the best private science and engineering institute in India. BITS Pilani has four international campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai, and has been offering bachelor's, master’s, and certificate programmes for over 58 years, helping to launch the careers for over 1,00,000 professionals.
Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,