What is differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical formula common in science and engineering that seeks to find the rate of change in one variable to other variables. Differential equations use derivatives, which are variables that represent change of a functional dependence of one variable upon another. In many differential equations, you will see the derivatives expressed in x and y terms. Differential equations are used in areas of quantitative study because they help scientists and engineers find solutions that may be used to predict the behavior of an original system. These solutions, called functions, show rates of change in matters that can be directly observed and measured.

Why is it valuable to learn differential equation?

It is valuable to learn differential equations as these are found and used in traditional sciences like physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology and numerical sciences like math, scientific computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Differential equations are used in these areas to find rates of change in problems like circuit design, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, seismic waves, or in finance for options trading. Learning about differential equations can help you if you choose to study and eventually work in these fields.

What are typical career opportunities that use differential equation?

Some typical career opportunities for those who learn differential equations are in science and engineering jobs like control software engineer, computational fluid dynamics analyst, data scientist, meteorology scientist, and similar weather science roles. You may also find career opportunities in research science, electromagnetics, physics, and electrical engineering positions. Jobs in options trading are also possible if you know differential equations, as traders often use these formulas in software programs to assess a current value or volatility of a particular stock price.

How can online courses help me learn differential equation?

Taking online courses in differential equations might help you grasp the fundamentals of first-order differential equations, second-order linear differential equations, and mathematical modeling problems. When you study the key aspects of differential equations in online courses, you may also learn the basics of related scientific and mathematical disciplines of discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and statistical probability.

What are the benefits of taking an online Differential Equation course?

Online Differential Equation courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Differential Equation skills. Choose from a wide range of Differential Equation courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Differential Equation courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Differential Equation, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Differential Equation Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Differential Equation Course Catalog

Status: Preview
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Differential Equations Part I Basic Theory
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Vibrations, Mechanics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Differential Equations for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Engineering Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Integral Calculus, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Vibrations, Electrical Engineering, Derivatives
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
Universitat Politècnica de València
Basic Math: Algebra
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, General Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Arithmetic
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mathematics for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Matlab, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Finite Element Methods, Integral Calculus, Mathematical Software, Mechanical Engineering, Calculus, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering, Simulation and Simulation Software, Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Computational Thinking, Estimation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Control Systems Analysis: Modeling of Dynamic Systems
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Process Control, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Systems Analysis, Electrical Systems, Mechanics, Systems Thinking, Applied Mathematics, Performance Testing, Basic Electrical Systems
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
95 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Electrodynamics
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Electrical Systems, Differential Equations, Physics, Materials science, Engineering Analysis, Finite Element Methods, Integral Calculus, Advanced Mathematics, Scientific Visualization, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Semiconductors, Mechanics, Energy and Utilities, Electronics, Mathematical Modeling, Calculus
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
956 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Algebra and Differential Calculus for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Algebra, Calculus, Graphing, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Derivatives, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
257 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Clinical Trials Operations
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Data Management, Clinical Trials, Sample Size Determination, Clinical Research Ethics, Clinical Trial Management Systems, Clinical Research, Data Quality, Quality Assurance, Data Entry, Case Report Forms, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Data Cleansing, Data Management, Regulatory Compliance, Data Integrity, Statistical Reporting, Informed Consent, Clinical Documentation, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
556 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Google
Google Data-Driven Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Ethics, Data Integrity, Data Analysis, Tableau Software, Stakeholder Communications, Sample Size Determination, Responsible AI, Verbal Communication Skills, Small Data, Decision Making, Stakeholder Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Big Data, Data Sharing, Statistics, Spreadsheet Software, Concision, Solution Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Differential Calculus through Data and Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Data Modeling, Estimation, Graphing, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Cost Estimation, Mathematical Software, Engineering Calculations, Linear Algebra, Trigonometry, Operations Research, Data Analysis, Derivatives, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Geometry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
375 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
Universitat Politècnica de València
Basic Math: Derivatives
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Algebra, Derivatives, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Trigonometry, Geometry, Graphing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Deductive Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Analysis, Probability, Sampling (Statistics), Persuasive Communication, Sample Size Determination, Writing, Case Studies, Mathematical Modeling, Scientific Methods, Oral Expression, Correlation Analysis, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Interactive Learning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months