T.A.: Hrant Hakobyan,
Office Hours: N/A
Textbook: Boyce, DiPrima : Elementary Differential Equations and
Boundary Value Problems, Wiley, 7th Edition
What is this course about?
Observables in natural and physical sciences are subject to
change. The rate of change (with respect to time/location/etc.) may
depend on many parameters, quite often including the observable
itself. In a mathematical model, this leads to differential
equations. We will study different kinds of differential
equations and the methods used to solve them. We will cover : first
order equations, second order linear equations (both homogeneous and
non-homogeneous), power series solutions, systems of first order
linear equations, some basic partial differential equations and
methods used to solve them including Fourier series. (This will
roughly be Chapters 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 of Boyce and DiPrima.) A
tentative
syllabus
will be updated according to the progress of the class.
Prerequisites: This is an upper division's course. Knowledge of basic calculus (Fundamental Theorem, Separable Differential Equations) is expected, knowledge of material from MAT 203/205 is beneficial, especially for the last part of the course on partial differential equations.
Grading Policy: Your grade will be determined by your scores on
Homework: Homework problems will be assigned weekly (see syllabus). They are due the next week at the beginning of the recitation. One problem will be graded each week. You get 5 points if you (reasonably) attempt to solve at least 50% of the problems and 5 points if you solve the graded problem correctly. You are expected to participate in recitations. The T.A. will assign a recitation grade at the end of the course based on your graded homework problems and your performance in recitations classes.Midterm 1 : 20% Midterm 2 : 20% Final : 40% Recitations : 20%