<p>what is the difference between Elementary Diff. Eq. and Ordinary/Partial Diff. Eq. as far as the courses go?</p>
<p>Depends on your school. ODE/PDE class probably goes into more depth, and you start getting multivariable differential equations, and systems of differential equations.</p>
<p>But yeah, depends on your school.</p>
<p>here are the descriptions:</p>
<p>Elementary Diff Eq.</p>
<p>MATH 255 is a study of the basic concepts and methods of solving ordinary differential equations, first and second order, higher order linear equations, Laplace transform methods, series solutions, and numerical solutions of differential equations. Topics have applications to the physical sciences and engineering shown.</p>
<p>Ordinary and Partial Diff Eq.</p>
<p>Course covers ordinary and partial linear and nonlinear differential equations, Fourier series, separation of variables in partial differential equations. Applications to engineering and the physical sciences are noted</p>
<p>whats the difference?</p>
<p>Partial Differential Equations are essentially differential equation with more than one variable. You will be dealing with partial derivatives.</p>
<p>Your first class will be dealing only with Ordinary Differential Equations, differential equation where you will have a solution y = f(x) and your problems will look like dx/dt + d^2x/dt^2 = 5, you will be taking derivatives with only respect to t.</p>
<p>Second class you will take derivatives with respect to more than one variable.</p>
<p>so the second one you just do more. ok. is there any advantage/disadvantage to having/not having one or the other?</p>