Math 225: Introduction to Differential
Equations
Spring 2007, Tu
Th
Instructor: Andrei Draganescu
Office:
MP420
Phone:
410-455-3237
Email:
draga@math.umbc.edu
Website: http://www.math.umbc.edu/~draga/courses/math225
Office hours:
Tuesday
Prerequisites:
Math 142 or 152; Math 251 is recommended.
Text: Fundamentals of Differential Equations,
6th edition, by Nagle, Saff, and Snider, Pearson
Education, Inc. 2004.
Course objectives: This course serves as an introduction to ordinary differential
equations, a concept that is fundamental to mathematical modeling. It is a
natural continuation of calculus in that it uses the same language and tools.
The goals are to gain familiarity with the basic concepts in the field and the
main solution methods, and to understand how differential equations model
real-world problems. A good part of Chapters 1 through 9 in the text will be
covered.
Grade structure:
|
Homework |
15% |
|
Project |
15% |
|
Test 1 |
20% |
|
Test 2 |
20% |
|
Final Exam |
30% |
Grading policy:
|
A |
90 – 100 |
|
B |
80 – 89 |
|
C |
70 – 79 |
|
D |
60 – 69 |
|
F |
0 – 59 |
Homework is
an essential part of this course. Experience has shown a strong correlation
between homework grades and overall course performance. There will be a
homework assignment due on Thursday of every week at the beginning of class.
Late assignments will not be accepted under any circumstances. All assignments will receive a grade on a 0
-10 scale, and will carry equal weight in the final homework grade, with the
lowest two scores being dropped. For each assignment only a selected set of
problems will be graded, however, the grader will verify that all problems were
attempted. It is encouraged to discuss homework problems with colleagues, but
the submitted write-up should be the result of individual work only.
Project: In
addition to homework assignments there will be a class project. This is
primarily intended for understanding the use of differential equations in
constructing mathematical models; however, other aspects of the class material can
be emphasized. Students will work in
teams to explore the role of differential equations in an application of their
interest. Details will follow.
Tests and final exam: There will be two in-class tests and a final exam. The tests are
scheduled for 3/1 (Test 1) and 4/12 (Test 2). The final exam will be
comprehensive. No make-up test will be given except possibly in the event of a
serious emergency, case in which the student may be asked to show appropriate
documentation. The final exam will be given at the date, time, place specified
by the University (5/22,
Class materials and blackboard site: The course's blackboard site will be used for
posting homework assignments and other class materials. It is encouraged to use the class's
discussion board for questions of interest to the entire class.
Academic conduct: The UMBC policy on academic conduct will be strictly observed. To read the full Student Academic Conduct
Policy, consult the UMBC Student handbook, the Faculty Handbook, the UMBC
Integrity web page http://www.umbc.edu/integrity,
or the