M236 Differential Equations Semester 992

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Karen E. Donnelly. Office: 257 Core Building

Office Phone: 6297 Home Phone: 866-8997 email alias: karend

Office Hours:

  • Monday 1:00--3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday 1:00--3:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday 10:00--10:45 a.m.
  • Thursday 1:00--3:00 p.m.
  • Friday 10:00--10:45 a.m.
    •  If  you need to see me at a time that is not during office hours, please call or send email for an appointment.

    Home page URL: www.saintjoe.edu/~karend
    Differential Equations Web Page URL: www.saintjoe.edu/~karend/m236

    Text: Nagle, Saff, and Snider: Fundamentals of Differential Equations, Fifth Edition. Addison Wesley-Longman, 2000. ISBN: 0-210-33868-8

    Course Objectives: To study the theory and applications of ordinary differential equations, including first order differential equations, second order linear differential equations, phase plane analysis, Laplace transforms, and power series solutions of differential equations.

    Course Outline:

    1. Introduction (Chapter 1, Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3)
    2. First Order Differential Equations (Chapter 2, Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 , 2.4)
    3. Applications -- Compartmental Analysis (Chapter 3, Section 3.2)
    4. Linear Second Order Equations (Chapter 4, sections 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9)
    5. Introduction to Systems and Phase Plane Analysis (Chapter 5, Sections 5.2, 5.3)
    6. Laplace Transforms (Chapter 7, Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7)
    7. Series Solutions of Differential Equations (Chapter 8: Sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.5)
    Tentative Exam Dates: Exam # 1 -- Friday February 11th
    Exam # 2 -- Friday March 17th
    Exam # 3: -- Friday April 15th
    Final Exam  (comphensive)  -- Monday May 1st 8:00 a.m.         Grade Distribution:

    Assignments, Quizzes: 35%
    Three Exams: 35%
    Final Exam: 20%
    Attendance and Participation: 10%

    Grading Scale:
     
    93%-100% A
    90%-92% A- 
    87%-89% B+
    83%-86% B
    80%-82% B- 
    77%-79% C+
    73%-76% C
    70%-72% C-
    67%-69% D+
    60%-66% D 
    59% or lower F 

    Expectations and Requirements:
    Special Note: If you are a student with a disability, please meet with me immediately to discuss the accommodations you will need during class activity, examinations, and out of class assignments in order to participate fully and demonstrate your abilities.
    1. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty on any assignments, tests, or quizzes will not be tolerated. If the instructor finds that a student has engaged in dishonesty, the student may be referred to the Dean of Academic Affairs for appropriate action.
    2. Quizzes and Exams: Students are expected to be present for all exams. No exams or quizzes may be made up unless the student has contacted the instructor and received permission prior to the date of the original exam or quiz. This includes students participating in athletics who must arrange to take the quiz or exam on or before the scheduled date.
    3. Assignments: Assignments, unless otherwise specified by the instructor, are to be completed individually. While students are encouraged to consult each other for ideas for assignments, the solutions should be completed individually. Any help one student gives another should be instructional help only. If the instructor feels that a student has not completed an assignment individually, the instructor may question the student on that assignment. The student should be able to explain how he/she worked the problem and should be able to work similar problems. Late assignments will not be accepted without permission. If permission is given, the following penalties will be assigned:

    1 day late: 10% reduction
    2 days late: 20% reduction
    3 days late: 30% reduction
    Not accepted after 3 days late.         4. Class Preparation and Participation:
    a) Keep up with reading assignments. To receive the maximum grade on attendance and participation the student must read assignments prior to class,  be prepared to ask questions,  and be an active, engaged participant in class.
    b) Take good notes and review notes on a regular basis as well as promptly begin and continue work on assignments as they are assigned.
    c)  Attendance is required. If you must miss class due to illness or other valid excuse (e.g. athletic event) please send me email or telephone with an explanation.
    5. Getting Help:
    Students who do not understand a concept should do the following:
    a) Ask questions in class. (More than likely other students do not understand as well.)
    b) Seek individual help from the instructor. I am more than willing to give you the extra help you may need. Come in during office hours or make an appointment. Tutoring (free) can also be arranged either through me or through counseling services.
    c) Share with me any concerns you may have or any suggestions you have for the class structure that will help you learn more effectively.

    The above content and requirements are tentative and subject to change according to time constraints and other factors as determined by the instructor.