MATH 307 - COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor:	Adrian Rice
Office:	Copley 233
Phone:	752-7230
e-mail:	arice4@rmc.edu
Web Site:	http://faculty.rmc.edu/adrice/public_html/math307.html
Office Hours:	Tu Th 1:00 - 2:00 and W 2:15 - 3:15

Useful Books:

 

Differential Equations, by Paul Blanchard, Robert L. Devaney, Glen R. Hall.
Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, 1998.

Differential Equations: A Modeling Perspective, by Robert L. Borrelli and Courtney S. Coleman.
New York: Wiley, 1998.

Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 5th ed., by William E. Boyce and Richard C. DiPrima.
New York: Wiley, 1992.

For an alternative, more conceptual, approach, see
Ordinary Differential Equations: A Brief Eclectic Tour, by David Sánchez.
Washington, DC: Mathematical Association of America, 2002.

Objectives:

This course is an introduction to the theory, techniques, and applications of differential equations. In addition to being a rich and sophisticated area of mathematics, differential equations are also essential for the serious study of many areas of science and engineering, having many useful applications in physics, chemistry, biology, electronics, economics, and even archaeology. But before it is possible to use differential equations to solve real-life problems, it is necessary to learn the mathematics behind them in order to apply them effectively. This course provides a variety of mathematical skills and techniques to enable you to formulate, apply, and solve a wide range of problems involving differential equations.

Homework:

Problem sets will be regularly assigned. Homework solutions will not be collected. However, at least 75% of the problems on each exam will be drawn directly from the assigned homework exercises.

In-Class Activities:

Time during a typical class meeting will be spent on a lecture covering the main points, and working on in-class problems and examples.

Attendance:

You are expected to attend class, as it will contribute to your final grade.
LATE ARRIVAL TO CLASS WILL BE COUNTED AS AN ABSENCE.

Quizzes:

There will be a number of quizzes throughout the course. The purpose of these quizzes is to ensure that you are keeping up with the homework and lecture notes. NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.

Topics to be covered in the course will include:

First-Order Differential Equations

Separation of Variables

Homogeneous Equations

Exact Equations

Linear Equations

Orthogonal Trajectories

Applications of First-Order Linear Differential Equations

Applications of First-Order Nonlinear Differential Equations

Higher-Order Linear Differential Equations

The Method of Undetermined Coefficients

Variation of Parameters

Applications of Second-Order Differential Equations

Exams:

There will be three in-class examinations and the course will conclude with a comprehensive final examination of three hours. The dates of the exams can be found in the Examination Schedule.
AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM AN EXAM WILL RESULT IN A SCORE OF ZERO.

Course Grade:

Your course grade will be based on scores received on the three midterm exams, the final, and the quizzes. Attendance will also be taken into consideration. The course grade scale is given below:

Grade Scale
Exam 1		20%
Exam 2		20%
Exam 3		20%
Quizzes		10%
Attendance		5%
Final exam		25%

Technology Policy:

The only form of technology that is permitted in my classroom is a calculator. Cell phones, iPods, and ALL OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Anyone listening to music, sending texts, reading messages, making phone calls, or whose cell phone rings in class will have HALF A LETTER GRADE deducted from their final grade on every occasion this policy is violated.

Disabilities:

If you have a physical or psychological disability that requires an accommodation, you must first register with the Office for Disability Support Services. Please arrange a meeting with the course instructor to discuss your needs and how to register for support services.