Math 246     Summer 2005
Course Description


Course title: Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
Mathematics Department Course Page for Math 246
Class time MTuWThF 11:00-12:20
Class location: Room 0101 Math Building
Professor: Mike Boyle
Math 246 office hours: 10:30 A.M. MTuWThF and appointment
Office: Room 4413, Math Building
Phone: 301-405-5135

Tutoring for Math 246: Fei Xue, 12:30-2:30, MTuWThF, Room 0401 Math Building

MATLAB:
From 12:30-2:30, Monday through Friday, in Room 0203 of the Math Building, there are computers available with MATLAB, AND there is on duty a MATLAB T.A. (Aaron Lott) to help with MATLAB problems.

Prerequisites. MATH 141. Also recommended, some exposure to vectors/linear algebra.

Required texts:
Boyce and DiPrima, Elementary Differential Equations, 8th Edition
B. Hunt et al, Differential Equations with MATLAB, 2nd Edition

Syllabus. In Boyce and DiPrima we will cover Chapters 1,2,3,5,6,7 and 9. See the schedule of classwork for more detail. From Hunt et al, we will cover all but chapters 11-12 and Problem set E. See the MATLAB info page for more detail.

Grading. The weighting in your course score points (700 possible) will be (The total possible points for homework will be normalized to the numbers given above.)

Course Grades. Here is the correspondence of course grade and percentage of possible points scored: A 85-100%, B 75-84%, C 65-74%, D 55-64%. F 0-54%. It is possible that the curve will be relaxed, but don't depend on this. With so much weight on homework, it should be quite practical to get a good grade.

Conflicts. If you know before an exam that you have a schedule conflict, contact me in advance.

Expectations/philosophy. You are expected to come to class, do the homework, and most important of all be actively engaged in trying to understand. Two tips for success: Academic integrity. (Follow the link -- especially, observe the guideline for what is and is not cheating in this class.)

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 to Disability Support Services for further information.