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

Discussion sections:

• A2: M 12-1 in MCS B19
• A3: M 2-3 in PRB 148
• A4: M 3-4 in PRB 148
• A5: T 10-11 in CAS B20
• A6: T 11-12 in EPC 201

Text: Differential Equations, fourth edition, by Blanchard, Devaney, and Hall (blue cover with Zakim Bridge and its reflection in the water). Published by Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2011. ISBN-13: 978-1-13-310903-7.

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 two in-class exams during the semester, both at the normal class time. They will be held on February 17 and March 30. The final exam is scheduled for 9-11, Wednesday, May 4. 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 after spring break (Friday, March 18) and one due during the next-to-last week of the semester. 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 do not give make-up exams except in truly extraordinary circumstances. For example, if you are suffering from a serious illness that requires immediate hospitalization, I will either adjust the grading scheme given above or administer a make-up exam. If you miss an exam to participate in a sporting event hosted by a club sport, you will receive a grade of zero.

I am the one who decides if a situation is truly extraordinary. Unless you are unable to do so, you must contact me before missing an exam.

Discussion Section Instructor: Eric Chang. His office is MCS B46B, and his office hours are M 11-12 and T 12:30-1:30. His office phone number is 617-353-5157. He is also available in the Math Dept tutoring room (MCS B24) on W 12-1. His email address is changer at math dot bu dot edu.

Homework: Assignments 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 some 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 1-2, W 1:30-2:30, 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. In special cases, we can schedule appointments at other times.

Additional help: The Mathematics and Statistics Tutoring Room, MCS B24, is open 25-30 hours each week from the second week of classes until classes end on April 29. The schedule is posted here. This room is also a good place to study between classes.

Academic conduct: Your work and conduct in this course are governed by the Boston University Academic Conduct Code. This code is designed to promote high standards of academic honesty and integrity as well as fairness. 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.

If you have a question about any aspect of academic conduct, please ask.

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 tenth week of the semester. In other words, if you are in this course after April 1, you will receive an academic grade (A-F) for your work at the end of the semester. I am not allowed to let students who are doing poorly avoid a failing grade by granting an incomplete.