MATH 239 Differential Equations

Spring 2008 Section 1 Class Number 6218

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY 8:00 – 8:50AM ROOM 224

Matt Fahy Instructor

523-6864

AMB 133

http://oak.ucc.nau.edu/mpf6/

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9:00–9:45 and 10:35–11:20

Wednesday 9:00–9:45 and 10:35–11:20

Thursday 11:00–11:40

Friday 9:00–9:45 and 10:35–11:20

Others by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will develop solution techniques for many types of ordinary differential equations, especially those arising from real world models. The emphasis of the course is on the application of the appropriate solution techniques, but a theoretical basis is given for the methodology.

Corequisite: MAT 238 Calculus 3.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

Set up a differential equation or system of differential equations to model real world problems

Classify differential equations and systems of differential equations using standard categories

Apply appropriate solution methods and approximation methods for differential equations and systems of differential equations

Describe the general nature of solutions of differential equations and systems of differential equations using analytical and geometric techniques

TEXT AND COVERAGE: Elementary Differential Equations, 8th Ed, W. Boyce and R. DiPrima, Wiley, 2005. Specific content: First order equations (chapters 1-2, section 8.1); Higher order equations (chapters 3-4); Linear systems (chapter 7; sections 9.1-9.2); Power series methods (chapter 5).

ASSESSMENT AND GRADES:

Homework will be assigned and collected in two ways. First, problems will be administered through an internet based program called Webwork. To complete this homework, you will first access this website (the address is case sensitive):

**http://webwork2.math.nau.edu/webwork2/MFahy_239/

Your username is your NAU user Id (for example, ams3). Your initial password is the last five digits of your NAU Id number. Once you have opened a homework set, you will print it off and work the problems on paper, returning to Webwork when you've finished to enter your answers. The program will provide instant feedback and provide you several chances to retry any problem that might be incorrect.

In addition to Webwork, problems will regularly be assigned from the text book, to be done on paper, like your grandpa used to do homework.

We may occasionally have small quizzes.

A few projects may be assigned during the semester. These will typically utilize some mathematical software.

Three in-class examinations and a comprehensive final exam will be administered during the semester. Very tentative dates for the four in-class exams are

Test 1 Chs 1, 2 Wednesday, February 6

Test 2 Chs 3, 4 Friday, March 7

Test 3 Ch 7 Wednesday, April 23

**The final exam will be Monday, May 5 at 7:30 am.

Your overall course grade is determined as follows:

Homework, quizzes, projects: 25%

Exams: 50%

Final exam: 25%

Grades will be based on your combined percentage from the above categories, with the usual 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% cutoffs. I reserve the right to lower these cutoffs, but I wouldn’t count on it if I were you.

OTHER:

Regular attendance is expected. Test make-ups are acceptable if you schedule them with me beforehand, but not if you don’t. Calculators are permitted on homework and tests, but full credit will never be given without proper work shown.

I’ve done my best to be concise, clear, and correct here, but if changes need to be made, they will be and you will be notified.

“Be excellent to each other,” Bill S. Preston, Esquire

All other university policies outlined in other official documents apply to this class and will be enforced accordingly.