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
- 200 Final Exam
- 200 Midterm exams (there will be two midterm exams)
- 150 Homework
- 150 MATLAB Homework
(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:
- Don't fall behind. (Summer 246 goes incredibly fast. Do your
homework for a section on the day it is covered in class. Don't put
off the MATLAB.)
- Make friends. Help each other. (On homework, it's usually
best to try alone first.)
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.