Introduction to Differential Equations

Ma341-004 Fall 2007

When ? Where ?
T-TH 1:30pm – 2:45pm HA 113

 

Prerequisites : You must have completed MA 242 (or its equivalent somewhere) with grade of C or better to take this class. The reason for this is simple, we will differentiate, integrate and on occasion take a partial derivative or two.

Overview : Differential equations arise naturally in innumerable applications. In the this course we will learn a variety of methods to solve ordinary differential equations(ODEs) and systems of ODEs. In the course of this task we will be intiated to some introductory linear algebra which will prove to be a unifying and clarifying langauge to aid discussion of certain difficult issues.

Course Essentials :
  • Lecture Notes posted online. Cost to you - zero dollars modulo printing.
  • Required Text is: Fundamentals of Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 4th edition, by Nagle, Saff and Snider, Pearson, 2004.
  • No calculator is required for this course. I will allow calculators during tests, but only to check work. I recommend the TI-89.


    • Information about your instructor :
    Instructor: Mr. James Cook
    Office: Hillsborough Building 201 (don't go there - I'm not there usually)
    "Office" Hours: T&TH 2:45-4:00pm (follow me after class)
    Math Learning Center Hours(tentative): T&TH 12:30-1:30 (Ha 244)
    Email: testbetter@yahoo.com

    Grading :
    10% Project (due December 5 by 4pm in drop-off box)
    10% Homework (will collect selected problems twice, I'll tell you one week ahead)
    60% Tests (there will be 3 tests, lowest can be replaced with final exam grade, if helpful)
    20% Final Exam (notice that the final is actually worth 40% if you bomb some test)

    Letter Grades will follow:
    98+ --->A+
    93-97--->A
    90-92--->A-
    87-89--->B+
    83-86--->B
    80-82--->B-
    77-79--->C+
    73-76--->C
    70-72--->C-
    67-69--->D+
    63-66--->D
    60-62--->D-
    <59 --->F

    Credit Only will be graded "U" if your grade is lower than 60, and "S" otherwise.

    Attendance :
    Attendance is suggested but not required. If you are trying to do poorly I recommend never coming to class, it's one of the best ways to fail. Also, ignore the homework and don't try to think out the lecture examples for yourself. I am not going to force you to come to lecture, but not coming to lecture is just making extra work for yourself. My notes are pretty close to the content of lecture, however I do add examples at times and give hints and advices about what's on the tests and what's not. If you aren't at class then how will you know the hints ?

    Absences & Excused Tests : IF YOU HAVE A UNIVERSITY APPROVED ABSENCE, then you may make up a test on the final exam. Attendance for tests is required, please note the test dates and plan accordingly:

  • Test I : September 18 (n-th order ODEs)
  • Test II : November 1 (systems of ODEs)
  • Test III : November 29 (Laplace Transforms)
  • Final Exam : December 18, 1-4pm (in usual room) (comprehensive)


    • Disabilities : If you have any special needs, please contact me as early as possible to make arrangements.
    Please do not wait until the test. It's your responsibility to tell me now so I can help you. Thanks.
    "Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accomodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (REG02.20.1)"

    Disclaimer : While I have attempted to completely specify the content of this course, I reserve the right to change this syllabus if necessary.

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