Applied Calculus of Variations 1000-1S24SRW
The calculus of variations is a branch of mathematical analysis concerned with the study of extrema of functionals. The aim of the seminar is to introduce the fundamental tools of variational calculus and explore their applications in physics, engineering, biology, and other fields.
The seminar is intended to invite students and doctoral candidates into current research topics in the area. A key topic will be gradient flows, which represent a dynamic approach to variational problems—treating the direction of steepest descent of a functional as a time evolution. Connections between this approach and partial differential equations (PDEs) will be analyzed. In particular, attention will be given to variational problems in the context of modeling inhomogeneous materials.
Course coordinators
Term 2025: | Term 2024L: |
Learning outcomes
Participants will:
* Understand the fundamental concepts of the calculus of variations and their applications.
* Be familiar with physical and geometric interpretations of classical variational problems.
* Be able to present research results and engage in discussions.
Assessment criteria
Participants are required to give two presentations during the academic year and actively participate in discussions.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: