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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MA 495"
COURSE NAME: "Differential Equations"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Barry Griffiths
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MTWTH 11:00 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: MA 298 and MA 350 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introduction to ordinary differential equations. These equations contain a function of one independent variable and its derivatives. The term "ordinary" is used in contrast with the term partial differential equation which may be with respect to more than one independent variable. Ordinary differential equations and applications, with integrated use of computing, student projects; first-order equations; higher order linear equations; systems of linear equations, Laplace transforms; introduction to nonlinear equations and systems, phase plane, stability.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

MA 495 will cover chapters 1-5, 7, 8, and 10 of the textbook Differential Equations with Boundary-Value Problems by Zill and Wright.

The course will begin by outlining the techniques for solving first-order differential equations, along with the systems that they allow us to model. We then look at second-order differential equations and the corresponding systems that they describe.

After the first exam, we will consider how to use Laplace transforms to solve differential equations before looking at simultaneous systems, whose solutions will incorporate elements of matrix algebra. The course will end with a discussion of stability.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course students will be able to:

* Solve first-order separable, linear, and exact ODEs

* Solve second-order ODEs using a variety of methods

* Apply methods for solving first and second-order equations to solve physical problems

* Use Laplace transforms to solve ODEs

* Interpret the behavior of ODEs through the use of phase-plane analysis

* Solve systems of first-order ODEs using techniques from linear algebra

* Analyze the stability of plane autonomous systems


 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Differential Equations with Boundary-Value ProblemsZill & WrightCengage1133492460 Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
3 QuizzesThree short quizzes will be given. They will be of a similar standard to the homework questions assigned, and will contribute 15% towards your overall score.15%
4 Homework AssignmentsHomework will be assigned from each section covered, and then randomly collected until everyone has turned in four assignments. They will be graded on the basis of precision and presentation, and will contribute 15% towards your overall score.15%
2 ExamsThere will be two exams. They will each contribute 35% towards your overall score.70%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 0-59%
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

It is strongly recommended that you attend all lectures due to the pace of the course and the random collection of homework assignments. Two points will be deducted from graded work that is not collected.

You cannot make-up an exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from an exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam will be given on the 23rd of June.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Monday May 22 – Sections 1.1, 1.2

Tuesday May 23 – Sections 2.2, 2.3

Wednesday May 24 – Sections 2.4, 2.5

Thursday May 25 – Review, Quiz

 

Monday May 29 – Sections 3.1, 3.2

Tuesday May 30 – Section 4.1

Wednesday May 31 – Sections 4.2, 4.3

Thursday June 1 – Review, Quiz

Monday June 5 – Sections 4.4, 4.5

Tuesday June 6 – Sections 4.6, 4.7

Wednesday June 7 – Section 5.1, Review

Thursday June 8 – EXAM 1

 

Monday June 12 – Sections 7.1, 7.2

Tuesday June 13 – Sections 7.3, 7.4

Wednesday June 14 – Sections 8.1, 8.2

Thursday June 15 – Review, Quiz

 

Monday June 19 – Sections 8.2, 8.3

Tuesday June 20 – Sections 10.1, 10.2

Wednesday June 21 – Sections 10.2, 10.3

Thursday June 22 – Section 10.3, Review

Friday June 23 – EXAM 2