MATH 308: 501&505    Differential Equations
Spring 2013                

Instructor: Oksana Shatalov
Office: Blocker 629F
E-mail: shatalov AT math.tamu.edu (please include Math 308 in title)
Web page: /~shatalov/
(check regularly for class announcements,  class notes, important information, etc.)
Office Hours: TBA and by appointment (in Blocker 629F).
Class hours:   Section 501: MW/F 1:50–2:40 PM BLOC 128/149
                      Section 505: MWF 12:40–1:30 PM BLOC 128
    MATH 308 web page:  The web page of the course is /~shatalov/308Spring13.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: recommended 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.

    Required texts:  Boyce, DiPrima Elementary Differential Equations 9th edition, Wiley, ISBN 978-1-118-13371-2. An electronic copy of this book is included in the course fee you paid to register for this course. You may also buy a loose-leaf discounted version at Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble will be in charge of distributing their access code and instructions for downloading the book. 
    Recommended text: 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.  

    Weekly Schedule: The (tentative) weekly schedule is posted here.
             
    Grade Ingredients: Your grade will be determined by homework assignemnets (25%) , three midterm exams (the first exam weights 15%, the second and the third exams weight 20% each) and the  final exam (20%).

     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.)
    Exams:  The midterm exams will take place in evenings,  out of regular class. Dates/times, location and duration for the midterm exams  to be announced. I will give at least a week’s notice. I plan to give them every four weeks on Wednesdays, 7:30pm (It  depends on room availability and on how quickly we get through material). See EXAM INFORMATION page for more details.

     Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam will be given  according to the schedule posted at http://admissions.tamu.edu/registrar/General/FinalSchedule.aspx#_Spring_2013

     Calculators will NOT be allowed on the exams and Final. Remember to bring your ID with you for all exams!
     
     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. Homework assignments and homework policy can be found at /~shatalov/308Hmwk_S13.html

    Late Work Policy: Late homework is not generally accepted, but it may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor; an early request is more likely to receive a positive response.

     Maplets: While not graded, there are some very useful Java Applets written in MAPLE which help illustrate and/or drill the concepts of this course. These are linked on the course homepage. Note that you must be using a machine with Maple installed, such as those in the Calclabs or Open Access Labs. Knowledge of Maple is NOT required to run these applets.
   
    Grade Complaints: Any questions regarding grading/scoring of exams must be made before the exam leaves the room or no change in grade will be made. If you need more time to look at an exam and do not want to lose your right of protest, hand it back to me at the end of class, and arrange to come to office hours.
Because of privacy rights, I cannot discuss grades over email or telephone.

    Attendance is important. Attendance and participation may also count as 3% of the final grade. Attendance and participation will only be used to help a student's grade, and it will be determined by judgment of the instructor. If class attendance and participation are insufficient, the final grade will be averaged without. The percentages for the other elements will be reduced proportionately if class participation is averaged in. Attendance and participation  will be evaluated primarily by a sign-in sheet which will be available at the beginning of class and secondarily by the subjective opinion of the instructor. The sign-in sheet will be collected shortly after class begins, be sure to arrive promptly and sign-in if you want credit. Note, if you sign the roll sheet, you are expected to remain in the classroom for the entire 50 minutes.

    Class Announcements, E-Mail Policy and Communications: Class announcements will be posted on my homepage. It is your responsibility to check them daily. 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.  Email is the preferred way to leave private messages for me. I usually respond within 24 hours. When writing to me, please include your full name and course. Use your NEO e-mail account to send me e-mail. Otherwise please indicate your UIN. The phone number above is for the main office for the Math Department in Blocker. You can leave a message for me there. You will probably get a faster response by using email.
    
    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 and will not be allowed to make-up any assignments missed in class that day.

    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.
 
     Make-ups and Excused Absences: Make-ups are only given if written evidence of an official University excused absence is provided in a timely manner. (See University Student Rules., http://student-rules.tamu.edu/). Let me know what is going on in writing, in advance, if possible. If there is an accident or an emergency that precludes advance notice, call me immediately and get me documentation of the emergency in writing as soon as you can. If I don't hear from you within 2 working days of the absence, I will not allow a make-up. It is your responsibility to schedule a make-up! The "explanatory statement for absence from class" form is not sufficient written documentation for an excused absence. If you are ill or injured, you need to provide me with a note from a health care professional excusing you from work or school. You may go to your own doctor or to the Student Health Center in Beutel and obtain such a note. The note should provide me with all information I need to confirm that your absence is excused, i.e., phone numbers and email addresses.

    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. The Mathematics Department offers help sessions both for the course material and Calclab open hours for help with Matlab. These are drop in hours where you can get help on your homework and other problems.

    Scholastic Dishonesty: "An Aggie does not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." Follow the rules of the Aggie Honor Code. Each student  is responsible for turning in their own unique work. During exams, 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.
    
   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!