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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MA 495"
COURSE NAME: "Differential Equations"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2019
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Daniele Castorina
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 11:30-12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: MA 298 and MA 350 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS: MW 14.00-15.00 by appointment
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 Problems Zill & Wright Cengage 1133492460 Any edition is fine   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
There will be two in class testsEach test will last an hour and will be based on the most recent material studied in class. Each test will be worth 25 percent of the final grade for a total of 50 percent. The remaining 50 percent will be assigned based on the comprehensive final examinationTest:25% each; Final Exam: 50%
Test I 25%
Test II 25%
Final Exam 50%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major 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 a major 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 period runs until ____________
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
SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Weeks 1-9Chapters 1-5   
Weeks 10-14Chapters 7,8 and 10