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Instructor: Ron Buckmire
Class Time: MWF 3:00-3:55pm
Class Room: Fowler 307
Office: Fowler 313
Office
Hours: MWF 4:00-5pm and T 10:30-noon and R 4:30-5:30pm
Email: ron at oxy.edu
GoogleTalk:MadProfessah
Twitter: @MadProfessah
The official version of the syllabus is on this
page. A pdf version of the
course syllabus is also available.
There is a sitemap
for this course website available.
Make sure to check the course
news/announcements page often.
Use the navigation bar at the top of each page
to access the course materials on this site.
Textbook: Differential Equations, Fourth Edition
by Paul Blanchard, Robert
L. Devaney and Glen R. Hall, Brooks-Cole, 2012.
Class Goals: By
the end of this course you should be able to:
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Solve
differential equations and systems of differential equations using
direct techniques,
-
Analyze
solution behavior (without knowing or computing solutions)
using qualitative techniques,
-
Discuss the
implications of parameter variation on solutions (i.e. bifurcation)
-
Prove
existence and uniqueness of solutions of some differential equations,
-
Analyze
the equilibria of a system,
-
Utilize
computer technology to appropriately analyze solution behavior,
-
Integrate these techniques to analyze physical systems
described by differential equations (mathematical models)
The official Occidental College Mathematics
Department Goals and Outcomes
for the course are:
Class Description (and Expectations): This is a first course in the study of differential
equations. I will expect familiarity and expertise with the concepts
found in Differential and Integral Calculus as well as some recall of
material from Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra. Differential
Equations is a huge, varied and fascinating field of study. I will
expect students to come to class prepared so that we can use class time
as efficiently as possible to facilitate learning the course material.
We will not be able to ``cover" the entire subject, but I should be
able to give you a significant introduction to some of the most
important topics in the field. Since I am an applied mathematician and
this is the first time I am teaching the course in quite awhile, the
style of the course will be skewed towards practical application of the
material, and not very theoretical in nature. However, this is a
300-level math class and I will expect a corresponding level of
mathematical rigor and student responsibility. This class entails a lot
of work, if you are not prepared for this, you should consider an
alternative course.
Class Format: As
with most professors, I will expect a lot of participation in class and
will facilitate this through the use of daily class formats
(worksheets), group work, in-class computer exercises, abbreviated
lectures and online communication. Mathematics is best learned by doing
mathematics, so be prepared to work!
Course Policies:
- Make-up tests will not be given
except for compelling reasons which have been communicated to me
well-in advance (i.e. at least 7 days) of the test date.
- If you are late to a test, you will
only be allowed the time remaining in which to complete your test.
- Late quizzes (or homework) will not be
accepted under any condition since the solutions are made available on
the same day that they are collected to be graded.
- This is not an exhaustive list of course
policies!
College Policies:
Disabilities:
Students with documented disabilities who are registered with
Disability Services are required to present their accommodation letter
to the instructor at the beginning of each semester or as soon as
possible thereafter. Any student who experiences significant physical
or mental impairments may contact Disability Services at (323) 259-2969
to learn about available services and support. More information is
available at http://www.oxy.edu/disability-services.
Honest Academic Work: No form of academic
dishonesty will be tolerated in this course. Any instances of
cheating and/or plagiarism will be reported on the first offense.
Oxy has policies regarding intellectual honesty in the student handbook
or see http://www.oxy.edu/student-handbook/academic-ethics/
Classroom Conduct: The goals of this
course can only be accomplished in a setting of respect. Although
differential equations rarely lends itself to too much controversy, we
must still provide a safe environment that is conducive to learning.
All are welcomed and encouraged to actively participate in the learning
of all the materials of this course, regardless of gender, race, nationality,
native language, sexuality, political ideology, and especially personal
mathematical history. Any student who feels she or he is experiencing a
hostile environment should speak to me immediately.
Electronic Devices: Please
remember that common courtesy dictates turning off all electronic
devices and cell phones (or place in silent mode) before coming to
class; these devices can be a distraction for other students (and me!)
in the class and thus should not be in use during class time unless I
give you explicit permission to do so.
Grades: The
final course grade will be composed of the following:
- Homework and Participation 20%
- Two (2) Tests 20% (10 % each)
- Quizzes 20%
- Final Exam 20%
- Project 20%
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