Differential Equations
3 credits
TuTh 8:30-9:50am in Sci 216
Office hours in Sci 205: TBA
Blurb
Differential equations is the mathematics of changing systems. It has wide-ranging applications, including biology, physics, and economics. This course is an introduction to ordinary differential equations, with an emphasis on finding and applying techniques to solve first-order and linear higher-order differential equations. Prerequisite: Calculus II
About the course materials
We will use the open-source math software SAGE for parts of this course. You can download it from
sagemath.org.
Grading
Your grade for the course will be determined as follows:
- Homework (25%) will be assigned weekly and handed in at the beginning of class on the due date. The assignments will be posted on the Assignments page. I do not accept late homework (no exceptions!), but I will drop your two lowest homework grades. I encourage you to work together on the assignments. Be sure to write up your solutions independently.
- Participation(15%) includes showing up on time, actively engaging in the class, and coming to class prepared. To kick-start our early-morning math minds and keep track of attendance, there will be a short daily assignment at the beginning of class. This may take the form of a closed-book quiz in which I ask for (for instance) a definition, theorem, or simple example. Alternatively, we might discuss a pre-assigned problem, I may ask one of you to present a pre-assigned problem, or I might assign a problem to work on in groups. I do not give make-ups of these assignments, but will drop your two lowest grades. The pre-class assignments are listed on the Assignments page.
- Midterm exam (25%) Format and date to be decided.
- Final exam (35%) Format and date to be decided.
If you need help
I have an open door policy. If you see me in my office and I am not with another student, then feel free to come in and ask questions. If you want to be sure you'll find me there, I will set up office hours after the first week of classes.
Course etiquette
This course will be what we make of it. My promise to you is that I will work hard to present the material as clearly as I can, respond to questions as well as I can, give you helpful feedback as quickly as possible, and be available and approachable. My expectation from you is that you will show up to class on time, ask questions when you have them, actively engage and participate in class, be respectful of myself and your peers, and work hard to learn the material.
Academic Honesty
