Lie group analysis provides a universal tool for tackling considerable numbers of differential equations even when other means of integration fail. In fact, group analysis is the only effective method for solving nonlinear differential equations analytically. However the philosophy of Lie groups in the theory of differential equations did not enjoy widespread acceptance in the past and the subject has been neglected in university programs. One of the main aims of ALGA is to improve the situation by developing courses based on group analysis. But the problem is that calculation of symmetries is a lengthy process and this can scare students. The calculation can be simplified by using computer algebra packages. We started to use one of them for teaching engineering students at BTH. This project was supported by STINT, Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education.
http://www.it.uu.se/research/group/cetuss/Events/2006-11/WS4-material