Math 220 Differential Equations
Course Syllabus Fall 2012
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor: Mrs. Mary Beth Hampshire
Email: ;
Office: BTC 228
Office Phone: 629-4866 (x4866 from campus)
Office Hours: TBD
Web Site: http://academ.hvcc.edu/~m.hampshire/
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Topics covered include: basic methods for solving first order and higher order ordinary differential equations with emphasis on linear vs. non-linear. Modeling is presented. LaPlace Transforms are developed and used to solve differential and integral equations. Linear systems of DEq’s are solved using Eigenvector analysis. Power series as solutions to linear differential equations are discussed. Fourier series is also introduced as time allows.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Text: Differential Equations (with Boundary Value Problems), 8th Edition, Zill and Cullen
Calculator: A graphing calculator is recommended. A scientific calculator (at a minimum) is
required.
Maple: Campus computers provide the necessary access to Maple software
Prerequisites: Calculus III
GRADING POLICY/COMPOSITION
Grading Scale:
90-100 / A / 70-79 / C / <60 / F80-89 / B / 60-69 / D
Grade Composition:
Component / Percent of Final Grade / DescriptionClass Participation / 10 / The class participation grade will be comprised of the following:
· Attendance & participation in class
· In-class assignments (individual and/or group)
Take Home Assignments / 15 / · Graded homeworks
· Lowest graded assignment will be dropped
Chapter Tests / 50 / · 3-4 tests, each counted equally
Final Exam / 25 / § Comprehensive “department” final exam
§ Final exam grade may replace your lowest test score (provided the final exam grade is greater than the lowest test grade)
Attendance: You are required to attend all class sessions. Attendance is so important to me that I make it part of your grade for the course. When you miss class, you miss an opportunity to check understanding of important concepts and a chance to ask questions and contribute your ideas. Only true emergency situations (e.g. illness, family emergencies) should warrant an absence. If absent, you are responsible for any work you miss and any announcements made in class. I recommend that you get to know some of your classmates so that it is easy to get a copy of class notes/announcements in the event you do have an emergency and miss a class.
I will take attendance at the beginning of every class. If you come in late and attendance has already been taken, it is your responsibility to notify me to add you to the roll at the end of that class period. I will not go back and change the attendance record after we have left the class for that day.
Practice Problems:
In order to develop the skills necessary to be successful in Differential Equations, you must work through the assigned practice problems. Even though only a subset of these will ultimately be collected for a grade, do not make the assumption that working only the graded problems will prepare you adequately for the exams. You should work the practice problems first and then go through the graded take-home assignments.
Take Home Assignments
Take Home Assignments are essentially graded homework. Some of the problems that are graded will be taken directly from the practice problems that have been assigned or at least will be similar to the assigned practice problems. The due date will be listed on each assignment. The take home assignments will be due at the beginning of class on the due date.
Exam “Make-up” policy:
If an emergency should arise on a test day, you may take a make-up exam. Only one exam may be taken as a make-up. Make-up exams will only be given during the last week of class.
Late Take Home Assignments:
I expect any graded take-home assignment to be submitted at the beginning of class on the day it is due. I will accept late assignments only during the last week of class. A 50% penalty will be subtracted from any late assignments.
Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy:
The only electronic device approved for use during class time is your calculator unless, as a class, we are all using the computers. Turn cell phones and/or pagers off before entering the classroom.
If for some reason you have a family/personal emergency where you must wait for a call, tell me before class and then set the phone to vibrate mode. On an exam day if such an emergency exists, leave the cell phone with me. To answer or even pick up a cell phone during an exam is to risk the forfeiture of the exam – i.e. exam grade = zero. And, ABSOLUTELY NO TEXTING!! I can see you!!
Z-grade Policy
The grade of “Z” (Absent Without Withdrawal) will be assigned to any student who has not attended class or submitted work after the college’s official withdrawal date and has not already withdrawn from the course. The withdrawal deadline can be found on the academic calendar.
GENERAL CLASS PROCEDURES/EXPECTATIONS:
1. I prefer a dynamic, interactive classroom environment. Participate in class. Ask questions. Answer questions.
2. Show respect for others in the classroom. Respect your classroom community in terms of style, opinions, ideas. If someone else is speaking, listen!
3. Keep a positive attitude.
4. If you do not understand, ask! In class. During office hours.
5. Come prepared to class. Make sure you have attempted the practice problems beforehand! Always bring your calculator, text, something to write on and something to write with.
6. While it is not possible to go over every homework problem in class, I will try to reserve the first 5-10 minutes of class time for homework questions from the prior topic. If your questions go beyond a 5-10 minute review, please come to office hours or schedule an appointment with me.
7. Come to class. Every class.
8. Come to class on time! If you are late, you might miss a homework question – the same question you have. You may miss a group assignment. Also, remember, I take attendance at the very beginning of class. If you arrive after the attendance is taken, it is your responsibility to notify me immediately after class.
9. Office hours are NOT a substitute for attending class. If you must miss a class, get the notes from a classmate and attempt the homework FIRST. Then come and talk to me if you have question.
10. Have fun! Differential Equations can be very rewarding if given the appropriate amount of time and practice!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In case of inclement weather, please call the student information hotline number: 629-4822 or check the website at www.hvcc.edu for delays or cancellations.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Hudson Valley Community College is committed to ensuring educational access and accommodations for all its registered students, in order to fully participate in programs and course activities or to meet course requirements. Hudson Valley Community College's students with documented disabilities and medical conditions are encouraged to access these services by registering with the Center for Access and Assistive Technology or the Learning Disabilities Specialist to discuss their particular needs for accommodations. For information or an appointment contact the Center for Access and Assistive Technology, located in room 130 of the Siek Campus Center or call 518-629-7154/TDD: 518-629-7596 or contact the Learning Disabilities Specialist located in the Learning Assistance Center, in the lower level of the Marvin Library, phone number 629-7552.
2