MATH 238-009 Spring, 2012
Applied Differential Equations I
Stan Jones
106 Gallalee Hall
348-3785
Office hours: TR 11 am-12 pm, or after class.
Text: Nagle, Saff and Snider, Fundamentals of Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 6th ed.
Note: Class meets in room 104, McMillan building on Thursday, March 1.
Here are the solutions (in my messy writing) to exam 1.
PROJECT
1 is due Tuesday, April 3.
Extra Credit
Assignment.
You can find odesolve.m
here.
General Course Description: Introduction to analytic methods for solving differential equations. Topics include the numerical Euler’s method, qualitative behavior of first order equations, analytic methods for separable and linear equations, applications to population models and motion problems; techniques for solving higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients such as the method of undetermined coefficients, reduction of order and variation of parameters; applications to mass-spring systems, the Laplace transform method to solve initial value problems with discontinuous forcing functions. A brief introduction to the computer software MATLAB will be provided at the beginning of the semester. Students will be required to carry out several projects related to the course material using MATLAB.
Course Objectives: After completing this course, students should
1. be familiar with analytical methods for solving linear ordinary differential equations.
2. be able to classify an ordinary differential equation in terms of its degree, linear or non-linear, homogeneous or non-homogeneous, and pick the technique most likely to solve it.
3. know how to utilize MATLAB to solve initial value problems.
4. be able to model simple physical, chemical and biological phenomena.
5. be able to use basic numerical techniques to solve initial value problems.
TENTATIVE LIST OF TOPICS
Ch. 1: sections 1-4; Introduction
Ch. 2: sections 1,2,3; First order differential equations, and parts of
section 6, Bernoulli equations.
Ch. 3: sections 1,2, 4; Mathematical
Models
Ch. 4: sections 1-6, 9-10; Linear second order
equations.
Ch. 5: sections 1-2, Introduction
to systems
Ch. 7: sections 1-9; Laplace
Transforms
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING: You are expected to read all assignments prior to class and come ready to discuss them and work collaboratively in solving exercises. There will be three hour exams, a comprehensive final exam, and several group projects. Grade breakdown:
Homework 10%
In-class work: 10%
Exams: 45% (15% each)
Projects: 10%
Final exam: 25%
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is expected. About once a week there will be an in-class collaborative assignment which will be graded.
MAKEUP POLICY: Talk to me if illness or other contingency requires that an assignment be missed or turned in late.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
POLICY: All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct.
The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary
Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct. You are
encouraged to work with other students in all aspects of the course except
exams. However, all work submitted is
expected to be your own.
DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS: To request disability accommodations, please contact Disabilities Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with that office, contact Dr. Jones.