AMATH 342Computational Methods for Differential Equations
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Mathematics
- Subject
- Applied Mathematics
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
An introduction to numerical methods for ordinary and partial differential equations. Ordinary differential equations: multistep and Runge-Kutta methods; stability and convergence; systems and stiffness; boundary value problems. Partial differential equations: finite difference methods for elliptic, hyperbolic and parabolic equations; stability and convergence. The course focuses on introducing widely used methods and highlights applications in the natural sciences, the health sciences, engineering, and finance.
Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- AMATH250 - Introduction to Differential Equations (0.50)
- AMATH251 - Introduction to Differential Equations (Advanced Level) (0.50)
- AMATH350 - Differential Equations for Business and Economics (0.50)
- MATH218 - Differential Equations for Engineers (0.50)
- MATH228 - Differential Equations for Physics and Chemistry (0.50)
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 6295 | 64 / 80 | MW 14:30–15:50 |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 5792 | 0 / 75 | MW 11:30–12:50 |
| LEC 701 | 2290 | 40 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
88% liked it71% easy94% useful
From 17 ratings and 6 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
The course is about applications of PDE and ODE. I wouldn't say this is an easy course becuase there are many heavy math proofs and definitions to memorize since cheat sheet is not allowed. Coding is only in assignments (not in exams). As long as you can do all the assignments and sample tests on your own, you’ll be fine in the exams.
Nov 2025 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Late review for Fall 2024 offering. Very well-organized and easy to follow along in lectures. If you were like me and flopped the DE course or forgot a lot of content, you will still be fine. Content has a lot of applications too. Biggest tip is to go to lectures!
Mar 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Coming into this course, I didn't think numerical methods for DEs could have so much theory behind it. Very interesting stuff, also not too hard for a math course
Nov 2024 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
This class is fun and easy to get good marks. The material covers the theory behind the numerical schemes for ODEs/PDEs, although its main focus is ODEs for the vast majority of the term. I recommend taking this course.
Mar 2024 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
I felt the content is very interesting. You may use any programming language. But Matlab is preferred I guess.
Nov 2022 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
41 posts and comments in 35 threads mention AMATH 342, December 2011 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
UW Math "Must-Take" Upper Year Math Courses 16 points, 10 comments
“What would you say is a useful upper year math course that everybody should take, regardless of their specialization?”
u/AirPodGoose: “AMATH 351/353, PMATH 347, PMATH 331/333/351, PMATH 332/352, AMATH 342, CO 250”
AMATH 342 Lilia or Sanders? 1 point, 0 comments
u/_Linkin_Park_: “I have an inc in AMATH 342. I took it with Lilia Krivodonova but got sick for the final. I know her finals aren't bad she gives a nice curve. Now, I have the option to clear it this semester when Sander Rhebergen is teaching. …”
Workload for W25 HELPPP! 6 points, 3 comments
u/NoActivity436: “Do you guys think taking CO331, 353, 487 and AMATH342 in one semester is doable? I heard that most of the CO courses have a relatively heavy workload and am unsure about if I get to handle all these at the same time ;)”
Spring 2024
AMATH342 2 points, 1 comment
u/Maremesscamm: “AMATH 342 this fall will have in person midterm and final exams. How much do these assessments require strong ability in solving differential questions, or do they focus more on the strictly computational aspects?”
u/AirPodGoose: “I took amath 342 in the winter and we never solved an ODE, except for one example given in class on the first day which was kinda trivial (y’ = xy or something like that). It is one of my favorite courses, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!”
Is this term doable 8 points, 4 comments
u/Personal-Werewolf-26: “AMATH 342, STAT 431, STAT 333, PMATH 365, PMATH 340 This will be my Winter 2025.”
Spring 2022
AMATH342 4 points, 2 comments
u/Salt-State-17: “Hi everyone, AMATH342(Computational Methods for Differential Equations) is one of the options for a CM major. UWflow doesn't really have any reviews. Did anyone take this recently? How was the workload and difficulty compared to other math course? …”
CO 250 or AMATH 250 + AMATH 342 2 points, 2 comments
u/giantL: “To satisfy some plan requirements, I can either take 1 term to do CO 250 or take 2 terms to do AMATH 250, then AMATH 342. I find Calc-based courses much easier than LinAlg-based courses, and I’ve also heard CO 250 can be really difficult. …”
Fall 2021
Anyone taking these courses this semester? 1 point, 3 comments
u/uwaterdliu: “I'm taking Stat 330/1/2, Amath 342 and Econ 101. If we share any feel free to pm me or add me on discord :) &x200B;”
Spring 2021
Suggested Course Sequence for Math 1 point, 6 comments
“Hi everyone, I'm going into computational math for 2a and was wondering if there's a chart I can follow to select my courses. …”
u/ebullientMF: “… 2A: MATH 235, MATH 237, STAT 230 2B: MATH 239, STAT 231, CS 230 3A: CS 246 , CS 234, CO 250 3B: AMATH 342, STAT 340, CS 371 4th year: choose courses to complete 4 additional courses from &x200B; (Fill the rest with electives and other requirements). …”
Winter 2021
AMATH 342 0 points, 0 comments
Spring 2020
CS 245 vs CS 234 3 points, 6 comments
“Hi, I am an honours math student starting my 2b term in fall. I want to work as a software developer on my coop in winter and wanted to know which course out of CS 245 or CS 234 should I take with …”
u/greenita: “… (The second useless course is STAT 340...) I personally think AMATH 342, CS 246, CS 475, and STAT 341 are useful than CS245 a lot. …”
anyone take AMATH 342? 1 point, 0 comments
u/bolton-js: “How difficult & useful would you say it is?”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them