COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Number: MATH2650
Course Title: LINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: 
Corequisite: MATH2640

Objectives: 
To present the fundamental concepts of linear differential equations and to develop student understanding and skills in the topic necessary for its applications in the sciences and engineering.  To develop student abilities in various techniques for solving these equations.

Course Content: 

Introduction to numerical methods.  [2 days]

Qualitative description of first order differential equations.  [6 days]

Techniques for solving separable equations and linear differential equations analytically.  [6 days]

Applications of first order equations.  [3 days]
	Applications to various models such as population, motion, chemical mixtures.

Second and higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients.  [12 days]
Emphasis on interpreting the behavior of solutions and applications to physical models.  Theory, reduction of order, variation of parameters.

The Laplace Transform. [3 days]
The Laplace transform as a tool for the solution of initial value problems whose inhomgeneous terms are discontinuous.  

Series solutions.  [3 days]

Computer lab and computer presentations.  [5 days]
	Some instruction, presentations, and examples throughout the semester will be held in the computer lab.

Possible textbooks:
Introductory Differential Equations from linearity to Chaos, Kostelich and Armbruster, 1997, Addison Wesley.

Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems 6th ed., Boyce and DiPrima, 1997, John Wiley and Sons.

Differential Equations and their Applications 4rth ed., Braun, 1992, Springer.


Sample Grading and Evaluation Procedures: 

Students will be expected to have prepared assigned homework.  Homework will occasionally be collected. This will be part of the participation grade.  Computer assignments are an important part of this course.  Quizzes may be unannounced.  Students must attend the computer lab sessions, failure to do so will decrease the computer assignment grade.

Grade Calculation
Participation grade 
(includes: blackboard presentation and classwork, attendance, homework, quizzes):	10%
Computer assignments and projects								15%
Hour Tests (three tests at 15% each):							45%
Final Exam:										30%

Tentative Test Schedule
Hour tests are given at the end of appropriate units and will be announced a week ahead of time. 

Sample Statement Re: Accommodations

	Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours the first week of classes, or as soon as possible if accommodations are needed immediately.  If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can, be arranged.  To set up this meeting, please contact me by E-mail.  Bring a Copy of your Accommodation Memo and an Instructor Verification Form to the meeting.  If you do not have an Accommodation Memo but need accommodations, make an appointment with The Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, 844-2096 (V/TT).  (Note: Instructor office room, office hours and email address will be made available on the course syllabus and on the first day of class.)

NOTE:  This course was originally submitted on form 108 but have subsequently been approved as required courses in MATH and AMTH.