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Venue:
The class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 1:15 pm
to 2:30 pm and Friday from
2:15 pm
to 3:05 pm in 304 Reese.
Text:
William Boyce and Richard DiPrima,
Elementary Differential Equations,
seventh edition,
John Wiley & Sons, 2001.
Course description:
We will study various methods of solving ordinary differential
equations and explore some ways in which differential equations and
their solutions are used to model real-world phenomena, such as
population dynamics, mechanical systems, thermodynamics, radioactive
decay, and electrical circuits.
Homework:
There will be a problem set each week. Problem set solutions are
to be written in complete sentences, and will be graded for
presentation as well as correctness.
Exams:
There will be three hour exams during the semester, probably during
the weeks of February 24, March 31, and April 28.
There will be a
final exam during final exam period.
Quizzes:
Except in exam weeks, there will be a ten-minute quiz each week.
Grading:
Your lowest problem-set grade and your two lowest quiz grades will be
dropped, and your course grade will be computed as follows:
| Problem Sets | 40% |
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Hour Exams | 20% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
Technology:
We will be using calculators and computers from time to time
in class. When it is helpful to do so, you are welcome to use a
calculator or computer on the problem sets, provided you explain its
use in your write-up.
Occasionally, a problem set problem will specifically require the use
of a computer or calculator.
Resources:
My office hours are listed at my
website;
you are welcome to make appointments
to talk with me at other times.
The Honor Code:
You are encouraged to collaborate on problem sets, but only as long as
the information flow goes both ways. Each student must write up
her own solutions independently. Direct copying from another
student's paper will be treated as a violation of the honor code. No
collaboration will be permitted on the
quizzes, the hour exams, or the
final exam.
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