Class time and location: Mon, Wed, Fri 10-11 in CAS/STO B50

Discussion sections:

• A2: M 12-1 in MCS B23
• A3: M 2-3 in MCS B31
• A4: M 3-4 in PRB 146
• A5: T 10-11 in SED 208
• A6: T 11-12 in SED 208

Text: Blanchard, Devaney, and Hall: Differential Equations (third edition, purple sunrise and Zakim bridge on cover), Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, 2006. ISBN number 0-495-01265-3.

In this course, we study the solutions of ordinary differential equations using three general approaches. Solutions are obtained using analytic, geometric, and/or numerical techniques. All three approaches have their advantages, and we will learn when to use the appropriate technique. We begin by deriving a few classical examples with an emphasis on the phenomena that they model. We then discuss first-order equations using all of the techniques mentioned above. Next we study first-order systems. Using a little linear algebra (not a prerequisite), we derive a systematic approach to the solution of linear systems. Unfortunately, nonlinear systems are more difficult to investigate, but we learn how to apply what we know from the linear case to the nonlinear case. The course concludes with a discussion of Laplace transforms.

Our goal is to be able to say as much as possible about the solutions of a differential equation even in cases where it is not possible to derive formulas for them.

Course web page: http://math.bu.edu/people/paul/MA226.html

Exams and grading: We will have three in-class exams during the semester, all at the normal class time. They will be held on February 10, March 24, and Thursday April 22. The final exam is scheduled for 3-5, Wednesday, May 5. Please note the date of the final and make your travel plans now! University policy states that you must take the final at the scheduled time. In addition to the in-class exams, you will be required to submit written work during the semester. This work will include solutions to the homework. Your most significant written work will consist of two group projects---one due just before spring break (Friday, March 5) and one due in the middle of April (Friday, April 16). This written work will be a large part of your "discussion section grade." Grades for the course will be determined by applying the most favorable of the following two weighting schemes to your curved exam grades:

Make-up exams: I have an absolutely firm policy of not giving make-up exams. If you miss an exam, then you must provide an acceptable, written excuse (not an email message) for your absence or you will receive a grade of zero. A valid reason for missing an exam would be something serious like illness (not a slight cold) or a family emergency. Neither poor preparation nor sleeping through an exam are acceptable. If possible (particularly if you want to be sure that your excuse is an acceptable one), contact me before missing an exam.

Discussion Section Instructor: Mark Veillette. His office is MCS 163, and his office hours are M 4-5 and T 4-5. His office phone number is 617-353-5213. He is also available in the Math Dept tutoring room (MCS 144) on F 11-12. His email address is mveillet at math dot bu dot edu.

Homework: Assignments from the text will be made at the end of each class, and you are expected to work these exercises before the next class. In addition, you will be expected to submit your homework for review at discussion section each week. Your homework will play a role in your discussion section grade. No late homework will be accepted for any reason. Additional information regarding the homework policy will be posted on the course web site.

Discussion sections: Each student must attend one of these sections. Although the lectures are important, you will need to do more than simply attend lectures to do well in this course. Mastering the subject comes from doing problems and getting help when you do not know how to do them. The discussion sections are the best place to get that help. Discussion section will also be a source for help with the numerical work in the course.

Office: MCS Room 255.

Phone number: 617-353-9555.

Email address: paul@bu.edu. I find that email is a good way to leave messages, but it is not a good way to get help on your homework. For help with the mathematics in this course, I encourage you to visit me in my office. If you miss class, please do not send me email asking for answers to questions that were covered in class.

Office hours: M 2:30-3:30, W 1-2, and F 11-12. I will be available in my office during these hours for consultation on a first-come-first-served basis. You do not need an appointment in advance. In addition, many brief matters can be handled directly after class, and in special cases, we can schedule appointments at other times.

Additional help: There will frequently be at least one teaching assistant available to give you some help with your homework in MCS 144. We will provide more information as soon as tutoring begins.

Academic conduct: Your work and conduct in this course are governed by the CAS Academic Conduct Code. This code is designed to promote high standards of academic honesty and integrity as well as fairness. A copy of the code is available in CAS Room 105 if you cannot access it on the web, and it is your responsibility to know and follow the provisions of the code. In particular, all work that you submit in this course must be your original work. For example, the computations that you do for your group projects as well as the text of your reports must be original to your group, and all group members are responsible for all aspects of the group projects. Any cases of suspected academic misconduct will be referred to the CAS Student Academic Conduct Committee.

Class conduct: See the course web page for a discussion of conduct that is inappropriate during class and/or discussion sections.

BU Policy: This semester you cannot withdraw from a course after the eleventh week of the semester. In other words, if you are in this course after April 5, you will receive an academic grade (A-F) for your work at the end of the semester. I will not let students who are doing poorly avoid a failing grade by granting an incomplete.