Introduction to Differential Equations

Ma341-004 Summer I 2007

When ? Where ?
MTWTHF 11:40am – 1:10pm HA 368

 

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. You will also consider energy methods and phase plane analysis to analyze the behaviour of certain differential equations.

Course Essentials :
  • Lecture Notes and Homework Solutions 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: after class as needed.
    Email: testbetter@yahoo.com

    Grading :
    15% Project (due June 18)
    45% Tests (there will be 3 tests)
    40% Final Exam (cumulative)

    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.

    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 : May 30
  • Test II : June 8
  • Project : June 18
  • Test III : June 20
  • Final Exam : Monday, June 25, 1-4pm (in usual room)


    • 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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