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Syllabus of Math 308, Section 200 (honors)

Ordinary Differential Equations, Fall 2008

Instructor Peter Kuchment

Office Rm. Blocker 614A, Telephone (979)862-3257

E-mail: kuchment@math.tamu.edu, Home Page: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~kuchment

Introduction

Differential equations form a beautiful and probably the most often applied area of mathematics. They arise in practically all studies involving dynamics. As such, they are either the basis or a crucial part of most human engineering endeavors and scientific studies, from computing planetary and satellite motions, to electromagnetics, to epidemiology, to gas and fluid dynamics, to radio-carbon dating in geology and archeology. The Math308 class will be devoted to the so called Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) that deal with functions of one variable, versus more complex and also extremely important PDEs (partial differential equations). PDEs, which arise for instance while studying heat conduction, vibrations, fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, and many other areas, will be treated in other classes.

Prerequisite

The prerequisite for this class is Math 251 or equivalent and eligibility for a honors class. Some experience with the computer algebra system Maple would be helpful, albeit it will be very easy to learn what is needed from scratch.

Tests, quizzes, and homework

Two in-class exams, 100 points each. Two take-home exams, 50 points each. Home assignments and/or quizzes (including unannounced quizzes), 5 to 20 points each. Final exam, 150 points. It is recommended that besides solving home assignments, you look at other problems in the textbook and consult with the instructor if you have any difficulties. In this honors class, some sections will be left to the students to study on their own, with related problems included into homeworks, quizzes, and tests.

It is advised that besides doing homework, students try to solve the odd numbered problems after the sections studied and check their solutions against the answers provided at the end of the textbook. In case of any difficulties contact the instructor.

MAPLE

Maple will be used sparingly, in the situations when geometric visualization is needed, or when equations are too complicated to be solved by hand. Students will be usually allowed to use Maple on tests to check their solutions, while in most cases a complete solution by hand will be required.
Before you work with Maple, please look at the document "Math Dept Computer Help (Fall 2008)" and the link to "Additional Calclab Information" at http://calclab.math.tamu.edu/. These texts will provide all information you need about access to Maple, obtaining help, and many other important issues.
You can find some simple examples of Maple usage for solving differential equations if you save the target file by clicking with the right mouse button here.
When an assignment requires usage of Maple, submission of the Maple printout with your solutions is the preferred method.
If you would like to purchase your own copy of Maple, there is the following option: Maplesoft has a special offer called the Maple Adoption Program, where students at schools that have adopted Maple can purchase Maple 12 for $55 at their web site. The students must be currently enrolled in a course which requires or recommends the use of Maple (and you are). The Maple Adoption Program also provides on-line training in Maple for the students. This is all explained at the web site http://calclab.math.tamu.edu/maple/adoption/
Maple help is offered Sundays 4-10pm and Mondays 7-10pm in Blocker 130 (overflow Blocker 131).

Tentative schedule of the course

Weeks

Chapters and sections

Home assignments

Tests and quizzes (dates are flexible and will be confirmed closer to a test).

1 (August 26, 28)

Introduction to differential equations. Sections 1.1 - 1.3

Assignment #1. Due September 4th.

Quiz #1 (classification of differential equations), August 28th.

2,3 (September 2- 11)

Equations of 1st order. Sections 2.2 - 2.6, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4.

Assignment #2. Due September 11th. Assignment #3. Due September 16th.

Exam #1 (ODEs of 1st order) September 18th.

4, 5 (September 16 - 25)

Numerics. Sections 1.4, 3.6, 3.7.

Assignment #4.

n/a

6 - 8 (September 30 - October 16)

Equations of 2nd order. Sections 4.1 - 4.9

Assignment #5. Assignment #6.

Exam #2. Linear 2nd order ODEs (Ch. 4). October 28th

9, 10 (October 21 - November 4)

Laplace transform. Sections 7.2 - 7.9.

n/a

Take home Exam 3 on Laplace transform.

11 - 13 (November 6 - 25)

Systems. Sections 5.4, 9.2 - 9.7, 12.2

n/a

Take home Exam 4 on systems.



Additional office hours before the final exam: TBA

Final exam: December 5th, Friday 3-5 p.m.

GRADING POLICY

Percentage of points

Grade

90% and higher

A

80% and higher

B

70% and higher

C

60% and higher

D

Less than 60%

F

Make-up policy:

Make-ups for missed quizzes, home assignments and exams will only be allowed for a university approved excuse in writing. Wherever possible, students should inform the instructor before an exam or quiz is missed. Consistent with University Student Rules , students are required to notify an instructor by the end of the next working day after missing an exam or quiz. If there are confirmed circumstances that do not allow this (a written confirmation is required), the student has two working days to notify the instructor. Otherwise, they forfeit their rights to a make-up.

Late work

Late work will not be accepted, unless there is an university approved excuse in writing. In the latter case student has a week to submit the work.

Grade complaints:

Sometimes the instructor might make a mistake grading your work. If you feel that this has happened, you have one week since the graded work was handed back to you to talk to the instructor. If a mistake is confirmed, the grade will be changed. No complaints after that deadline will be considered.

Students with Disabilities:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Services for Students with Disabilities (Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637).

Copyright policy:

All printed materials disseminated in class or on the web are protected by Copyright laws. One xerox copy (or download from the web) is allowed for personal use. Multiple copies or sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.

Scholastic dishonesty:

Copying work done by others, either in class or out of class, looking on other student’s papers during exams or quizzes, having possession of unapproved information in your calculator/computer/phone, etc., and/or having someone else do your work for you are all acts of scholastic dishonesty. These acts, and other acts that can be classified as scholastic dishonesty, will be prosecuted to the full extent allowed by University policy. In this class, collaboration on graded assignments, either in class or out of class, is forbidden unless permission to do so is granted by the instructor. For more information on university policy regarding scholastic dishonesty, see University Student Rules at http://studentrules.tamu.edu/.
"An Aggie does not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." Visit http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor and follow the rules of the Aggie Honor Code.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR STUDIES!!!

This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion

Back to P. Kuchment's Home Page

Last revised August 19th, 2008