Mathematics 234:  Differential Equations

Spring 2008

 

http://classes.seattleu.edu/mathematics/math-234/carter/

 

Instructor:                                                                               Office Hours:

 

John Carter, PhD                                                                      Monday           1:30-3:30

Engineering 400 C                                                                    Wednesday      11:00-12:00

206-296-5956                                                                         Friday              11:00-12:00

carterj1@seattleu.edu                                                               And by appointment

 

 

Prerequisites:  Math 232 (Multivariable Calculus) and Math 233 (Linear Algebra) with grades of C- or better, or a grade of C- or better in Math 233 and concurrent enrollment in Math 232.

Description and Goals:  This course provides an introduction to many of the techniques used to solve ordinary differential equations.  Topics include direction fields, first- and second-order equations, linear differential equations, systems of linear differential equations, power-series solutions, numerical solutions and Laplace transforms.  By the end of the course, students should be familiar with vocabulary associated with differential equations, be able to compute analytic and numeric solutions to some differential equations, and be able to interpret graphical and analytical solutions to differential equations.

Required Text:  Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Eighth Edition.  Boyce and DiPrima.  Wiley Publishing Company.

 

Material to be covered:  Chapters 1-8 of the text.

 

Evaluation: Any student who averages less than 63% on the exams and final will receive an F for the course.  The understanding of the material covered in this course by any student who averages 63% or higher on the exams and final will be evaluated as follows:

 

                                    Projects:                                   20 %

                                    Quizzes:                                    10 %

                                    Exams (3):                                45 %

                                    Final:                                        25 %

                                    Total Possible:                      100 %

 

Course Grades:  Any student who averages less than 63% on the exams and final will receive an F for the course.  The following table lists the course grade for any student who averages 63% or higher on the exams and final.  These percentages are approximate.

 

                        A or A-                       90% +

                        B+, B, or B-                80%-89%

                                    C+, C, or C-                70%-79%

                                    D+, D, or D-               60%-69%

                                    F                                  0%-60%

Projects:  The projects will involve the application of differential equations to real world problems.  The projects will be graded on mathematical content and presentation.  Each student must individually write up his/her own project.  Late projects will not be accepted.

 

Quizzes:  The quizzes will focus on current homework-like material.

 

Exams:  There will be three exams given during the quarter.  Each exam will be a sixty-five minute in-class exam.  The content and dates of each of the exams will be announced in class at least four class days in advance.

 

Final:  The final will be a two-hour comprehensive examination.  The final will be held between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Friday, June 13th.

                       

Homework:  Homework problems and reading assignments will be assigned daily.  Though the homework will not be collected or graded, all assigned problems should be carefully worked in order to best learn the material.

 

Attendance:  The material studied in this course builds upon itself daily.  Therefore, daily attendance is expected. This course is a four-credit course with regular time for review, questions and in-class discussion.

Note:  Please be aware of the School of Science and Engineering Policy on Academic Misconduct.  A copy of this document can be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Science and Engineering.

Resources:

1)      Me.  Come to my office hours or schedule an appointment.

2)      Other students.  I encourage students to study together and to work together on homework and projects.

3)      The Learning Center.  Located in Loyola 100, the Learning Center offers help with study skills and free tutoring.  Appointments can be made in person or by calling 206-296-5740.