MATH 308-504, 504    Differential Equations
Fall 2015            

Instructor: Igor Zelenko
Office: Blocker 601J
E-mail: zelenko AT math.tamu.edu (please include Math 308 in title)
Web page: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~zelenko/
(check regularly for class announcements,  class notes, important information, etc.)
Office Hours: Tuesday 2:35pm-3:35 pm, Wednesday 3 pm-4 pm, Thursday 2:35 pm-3:35 pm or by appointment (in Blocker 601J).
Class hours:   MWF 11:30 PM –12:20 PM (section 504), 12:40 PM -1:30 PM (section 505) BLOC 128
                      

    MATH 308 web page:  The web page of the course is /~zelenko/F15M308.html The Mathematics Department has a web page for Math 308. Its URL address is http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/math308 You can find there: Weekly schedule of the course, suggested homework problems, math department computer help, help session schedule and other information.

    Course Description:  This is a course in differential equations. Topics include linear ordinary differential equations and systems of linear differential equations, second order linear equations, solutions using Laplace transforms, solutions by power series, and elements of nonlinear systems (stability near equillibrium).

  Required texts:  Boyce/DiPrima: Elementary Differential Equations, Custom TAMU Edition (10th Edition), Wiley (electronic book included in course fee). Each student enrolled in MATH 308 has purchased access to the Wiley e-Text for the course and will receive an email from Barnes & Noble at Texas A&M, textbooth@tamu.edu, apprising the personal redemption code and access instructions.
e-Text redemption codes will be emailed to student's NetID@email.tamu.edu address and will be distributed in two separate batches: The following book might be helpful: Hunt, Lipsman, Osborn, Rosenberg Differential Equations with Matlab 2nd edition,Wiley, ISBN 978-0471718123 (only needed as a MATLAB reference; no problems will be assigned from here).
   
  Software: A personal copy of MatLab is useful, but not necessary, since you will be able to work remotely on Calclab computers.  

   Course Schedule: The (tentative) day by day schedule is posted at http://www.math.tamu.edu/~zelenko/F15M308sch.html
             
    Grade Ingredients: Your grade will be determined by homework assignemnets (25%) , two midterm exams 25% each and the  final non-cumulative exam (25%).

     Letter Grades: A(90-100%), B(80-89%), C(70-79%), D(60-69%), F(0-59%)
(I have been known to curve final grades if I feel that it is warranted.)
    Homework assignments will be usually given every other class (for example, every odd class) and will be due next odd class. Each assignment will consist of 2-3 problems and sometimes will include bonus problems.

   Exams: The midterm exams will take place in evenings,  out of regular class.

Tentative dates for for the midterm exams are as follows: exam 1-09/29, exam 2-11/05.  Location of the midterm exams will be announced.

     Final Exam: A  final exam will be given  according to the schedule posted at http://registrar.tamu.edu/general/finalschedule.aspx#_Spring_2015

    Calculators will NOT be allowed on the exams and Final. Remember to bring your ID with you for all exams!

     Class Announcements And E-Mail Policy: Class announcements will be posted on my homepage. It is your responsibility to check them weekly. Some important course announcements might be sent to your NEO e-mail account. It is your responsibility to check the NEO account and get familiar with the announcements.  .

    Make-Up Policy: If you miss an exam, you must contact me within 48 hours. Exams must be made up within 30 days and require appropriate documentation of a university-excused absence.

    Grage Complaints: Sometimes the instructor or TA 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.

    Late Work Policy: No late work will be accepted.

  Attendance is REQUIRED. I will take daily attendance. If you sign the roll sheet, you are expected to remain in the classroom for the entire 50 minutes. More than 3 absences may have a detrimental effect on your grade especially in borderline cases. Come to class on time.

 Electronic Device Policy: Cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices must be silent and put away during class. If you are unable to comply with this policy, you will be asked to leave class.

Class Etiquette: I expect that during class you stay focused on learning the mathematics being taught. You should not be reading a  newspaper or materials from another course, you should refrain from discussion not related to class and you should not leave class early unless you have cleared it with me first. If I feel you are being disruptive or disrespectful during class, you may be asked to leave.
  
Scholastic Dishonesty: "An Aggie does not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." Visit  student-rules.tamu.edu/aggiecode and follow the rules of the Aggie Honor Code. Each student  is responsible for turning in their own unique work. During exams and quiz, you are not allowed to receive any kind of assistance from anyone. Any instance of scholastic dishonesty will be handled according to the processes outlined on the Honor Code website.

Getting Help: First, if you have a question, do not hesitate to ask before, after, or during a class. Second, I encourage you to attend
my office hours to get individual help. You do not need an appointment to come to regular office hours. If your schedule does not permit
you to come to the announced office hours, send me an e-mail with your schedule and we will make an appointment to meet at some other
day/time.

   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 copy (or download from the web) is allowed for personal use. Multiple copies or sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.

Note: This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. The instructor reserves the right to make any changes he considers academically advisable. It is your responsibility to attend classes and keep track of the proceedings.

                                                          GOOD LUCK IN YOUR STUDIES!