Differential Equations

Math 308-511 -- Spring 1999

Instructor: Dr. Francis J. Narcowich
Office: 302 Milner Hall
E-mail: fnarc@math.tamu.edu
Phone: 845-7369
URL: /~francis.narcowich/
Office Hours: TBA, and by appointment.

Catalogue Description: Differential Equations. (3-0). Credit 3. I, II S Linear ordinary differential equations, solutions in series, solutions using Laplace transforms, systems of differential equations.

Prerequisite: MATH 251 or equivalent.

Time & Place: TR 9:35-10:50, BLOC 131.

Required Texts
  1. R. K. Nagle and E. B. Saff, Fundamentals of Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1996.
  2. Rudra Pratap, Getting started with MATLAB 5, Oxford University Press, New York, 1999.

Supplementary Material (Optional)
  1. R. Bronson, Schaum's Outline of Theory and Problems of Differential Equations, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1994.
  2. D. Hanselman and B. Littlefield, Mastering MATLAB 5: A Comprehensive Tutorial and Reference, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1998.
Tests
  • Test I, February 25
  • Test II, April 15
  • Final Examination, Friday, May 7, 12:30-2:30

    • Syllabus: The course covers all or part of Chapters 1-5 and 7-9 of the Nagle/Saff book. For the computer component of the course, we will learn and use Matlab.

    Grading System: Your grade will be based on two in-class tests, homework, and a final examination. Each in-class test will count for 25% of your grade, the homework for 15%, and the final examination will count for the remaining 35%. Your letter grade will be assigned this way: 90-100%, A; 80-89%, B; 70-79%, C; 60-69%, D; 59% or less, F.

    Make-up Policy: I will give make-ups (or satisfactory equivalents) only in cases authorized under TAMU Regulations. In borderline cases, I will decide whether or not the excuse is authorized. Also, if you miss a test, contact me as soon as possible.

    Homework Assignments: I will assign and collect homework about once per week; it will be graded on a fifty-point scale. Your homework grade for the course will be the percentage of points gotten right. Late homework will be accepted (or excused completely) only for legitimate reasons, and may be penalized if circumstances warrant.

    Copying Course Materials: ``All printed hand-outs and web-materials are protected by US Copyright Laws. No multiple copies can be made without written permission by the instructor.''