Math246 - Ordinary Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers

Summer 2005

Lectures

MTuWThF 11:00am-12:20pm (07/11/05-08/21/05) ( MATH B0429 )

Instructor

Georg Dolzmann ( dolzmann@math.umd.edu)
Office: MATH 3309, Phone: 405-5144
Office hours: M and Th 2:30-4, or by appointment

Class web page

www.math.umd.edu/~dolzmann/Math246/math246.html

Text

Elementary Differential Equations, 8th ed., by W. E. Boyce and R. C.  DiPrima, John Wiley&Sons

Differential Equations with MATLAB by B. R. Hunt et al, John Wiley&Sons

This course is an introduction to the basic methods of solving ordinary differential equations. The material covered includes equations of first and second order, linear differential equations, Laplace transforms, numerical methods and the qualitative theory of differential equations. All sections will use MATLAB.

Tentative Schedule

Ch. 1: Introduction (1 lecture)
Ch. 2: First Order Differential Equations (4 lectures)
Ch. 8: Numerical Methods (3 lectures)
Ch. 3: Second Order Differential Equations (6 lectures)
Ch. 6: The Laplace Transform (2 lectures)
Ch. 7: Systems of First Order (7 lectures)
Ch. 9: Nonlinear Differential Equations and Stability (2 lectures)

Graphics calculators/comuters

You may use calculators for solving homework problems and you will need to use MATLAB for the numerically oriented problem sets. However, neither calculators nor computers will be allowed during examinations.

Prerequisites

MATH 141; and any one of the following: MATH 240 or ENES 102 or PHYS 161 or PHYS 171. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: MATH 246 or MATH 341.

Homework

Homework problems from the text book (Boyce and DiPrima) will be assigned throughout the course.

MATLAB homework taken form Hunt et al will be collected and graded. There will be four MATLAB assignments, based on problem sets B, C, D, and F. Problem set A, which familiarizes students with MATLAB, will not be collected. In case that you do not have a GLUE or WAM account you should apply for one as soon as possible.

Homework problems and due dates

Tutoring

Tutoring information can be found on the web pages of the Mathematics Department.

The Office of Information Technology provides additional training in MATLAB. A concise summary of the material tought in the introductory class can be found on their web pages.

Quizzes, Exams, and Final Exam

There will be three 50min exams throughout the course and one final examination (80 min) at the end of the term. The 50min exams focus mainly on the new material, but the final exam is cumulative. The lowest scoring midterm grade will be dropped. Absolutely no make-up exams will be given. If you have to miss more than one of the exams and you have a written excuse according to the University Policies, then you will be given extra credit on the final.

The MathNet Test Bank contains a lot of exams from previous terms that are excellent material to practice for upcoming examinations.

Test dates (tentatively)

Exam 1: Friday, July 22 (Chapters 1,2,8)
Exam 2: Monday, August 1 (Chapter 3),
Exam 3: Friday, August 12 (Chapters 6, 7)
Final examination: Friday, August 19 (cumulative)

Grading

Homework:   15%
Matlab:   15%
50min exams:   20% each, total 40%
Final exam:   30%

Academic integrity

All students are expected to respect the Academic Integrity and the Honor Pledge.

Religious observances

If your religion dictates that you cannot take an exam or hand in assigned work on a particular date, then contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss alternatives. You are responsible for making these arrangements at the beginning of the semester.

Disabilities

If you have some disability related to testing under the usual timed, in-class conditions, you may contact the office of Disabled Students Services (DSS) in Shoemaker. If they assess you as meriting private conditions and/or extra time, then you may arrange to take your tests at DSS, with extra time as they indicate. You must arrange this well in advance of a test (in particular: no retakes). Click Disability Support Services for further information.

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Georg K Dolzmann

Last modified: Sun Jul 10 16:50:43 EDT 2005