Partial differential equations form an essential part of the core mathematics syllabus for undergraduate scientists and engineers. The origins and applications of such equations occur in a variety of different fields, ranging from fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, heat conduction and diffusion, to quantum mechanics, wave propagation and general relativity.

This volume introduces the important methods used in the solution of partial differential equations. Written primarily for second-year and final-year students taking physics and engineering courses, it will also be of value to mathematicians studying mathematical methods as part of their course. The text, which assumes only that the reader has followed a good basic first-year ancillary mathematics course, is self-contained and is an unabridged republication of the third edition published by Longman in 1985.