MTH 322: Differential Equations Spring 2006
Section 01: M,W 9—9:50 ; F 8—9:50;
Olney 125
Dr. Richard Di Dio
O-237, x1792 |
didio@lasalle.edu; |
www.lasalle.edu/~didio
Office Hrs: MW 11-12; M 1-3,
T 12-2 & by appt.
Online Resources and Electronic Communication
- Class website www.lasalle.edu/~didio (syllabus, homework,
past tests, lab schedule, lab write-ups, web resources)
- WebCT (mail, news, grades) Access WebCT via the mylasalle portal or the course website.
Please use WebCT for e-mail. It is your responsibility to check WebCT daily!
Course Description
Differential equations, the natural convergence point of calculus and linear
algebra, are widely used in the mathematical modeling of the natural world.
This course will focus on the sources, properties, and solutions of these
equations. Topics include:
| |
Modeling with Diff Eqn’s |
Bifurcations in 1-D Eqn’s |
| |
Analytic|Graphical|Numerical Solutions |
Systems of Diff Eqn’s |
| |
Autonomous Eqn’s & Phase Lines |
Linear Systems, Matrices, & Eigenvalues |
| |
Direction Fields |
Equilibrium Point Analysis |
| |
1-D Linear Eqn’s |
Linearization |
| |
Euler Method |
Forcing | Resonance |
Text/Web Sites
(visit the course website for updates to web resources)
- Blanchard, Devaney, Hall, Differential Equations, 2nd Ed.
Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., Pacific Grove, CA 2002.
- Boston Univ. Ordinary Differential Equations Project: math.bu.edu/odes>
(Contains sample syllabi, teacher guides, errata)
- The Math Forum: mathforum.org
Testing
/Grading
- Three Semester Exams - each worth 15% of final grade
- Comprehensive Final: worth 25%. Counted as 40% and
lowest semester test dropped if beneficial.
- Weekly (approx.) quizzes – 12% of final grade
- Assignments (homework/computer projects) – 18% of
final grade
| Final
grade determined by: |
| <60 |
60 |
64 |
68 |
72 |
76 |
80 |
83.3 |
86.6 |
90 |
93.3 |
| F |
D- |
D |
C- |
C |
C+ |
B- |
B |
B+ |
A- |
A |
Exams
- The final exam will be cumulative. There will be
no exemptions from final.
- No make-up semester exams given. One missed exam will
count as the drop test. Missing more than one semester exam, or not taking
the final exam, will result in failure of the course.
- Plagiarizing/cheating during exams will result in a failing
grade in that exam for all parties concerned.
- Calculator borrowing during an exam is not permitted
- Missed exams:
- 1 missed exam counts as a “dropped”
exam, and the final automatically counts for 40%
- Missing more than one exam, or the final exam, will result in a non-passing grade
- A valid reason for missing an exam must be presented as soon as possible
- The following dates are approximate:
| |
Test 1 |
Friday, February 17, 2006 |
| |
Test 2 |
Friday, March 24 |
| |
Test
3 |
Friday,
April 20 |
Quizzes
- Based on “drill-type” homework problems
- Lowest quiz score dropped
- No make-up quizzes given. (1 missed quiz = dropped quiz)
- Three possible quiz scores: Full credit (perfect quiz)-
Half credit (minor mistake) - No credit (multiple minor mistakes or mistakes
of substance)
Assignments
- Approx. 1-3 homework problems from each chapter to be
turned in
- Approx 6-8 computer projects
Technology
- Most differential equations of interest cannot be solved
analytically. Graphing calculators, spreadsheets, and dedicated mathematical
software (MAPLE) will be used to calculate and display numerical solutions
to differential equations. We will meet in the O-200 lab approx. bi-weekly.
- A graphing calculator of the TI-82, 83, 85, 86, 89 or
92 type (or equivalent) is required. Carry it with you at all times.
The TI-86 will be used for demonstration purposes in class.
Attendance
More than two unexcused absences/late arrivals will result in no ‘benefit
of the doubt’ when grades are borderline. (Where borderline = 0.5 below
grade threshold)