Class time and location: Mon, Wed, Fri 10-11 in CAS/STO B50
Discussion sections:
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
Scheme #1 | Scheme #2 | |||
Your two best in-class exams | 18% | Each in-class exam | 18% | |
Your other in-class exam | 8% | The final | 20% | |
The final | 30% | Discussion section grade | 26% | |
Discussion section grade | 26% |
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
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
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
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