Location: Herring Hall 126 (campus map)
This course focuses on ordinary differential equations and some of their many applications. We will take several approaches, including both analytic and numerical solution methods, as well as qualitative methods which enable us to discover properties of solutions without actually having a formula.
Matrix algebra will be a useful tool, and we will cover parts of this subject which will be necessary for us. Throughout the course, we will utilize MATLAB and/or some other computer algebra system for visualization and numerical computation.
Differential equations are widely used to model phenomena that arise in the sciences and engineering. We will discuss as many of these models as we have time for. We will also spend a little time discussing the modeling process itself.
There are two books required for the course.
The textbook and the third edition of the lab manual are available in a shrink wrapped package in the bookstore for the price of the textbook alone. Also, individual chapters of the third edition are available online.
The final grade for the course will be
determined by your performance on the homework, the two midterm exams, and the
final exam according to the following algorithm:
Homework 30%
Two midterms 20% each
Final exam 30%
There will be a homework assignment each day. The homework is due the next day in class.
The homework is not pledged. You are encouraged to discuss the homework and to work together on the problems. However, each student is responsible for the final preparation of his or her own homework papers.
Each student will be allowed to have at most one late homework assignment.
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations: please speak with me during the first week of class. All discussions will remain confidential. Students with disabilities will need to contact Disability Support Services in the Ley Student Center.