Math 225: Introduction to Differential Equations

Math 225: Introduction to Differential Equations
Fall 2009, Tu Th 5:30pm - 6:45pm, MP 104

Instructor: Andrei Draganescu

Office: MP420

Website: http://www.math.umbc.edu/~draga/courses/2009/Fall/math225/

Office hours: MW 3- 4 pm, or by appointment.

Prerequisites: Math 142 or 152; Math 251 is recommended.

Text: An Introduction to Differential Equations and their Applications, by Stanley J. Farlow, Dover Publications, 2006.

Course objectives: This course serves as an introduction to ordinary differential equations, a concept that is fundamental to quantitative modeling. It is a natural continuation of calculus in that it uses the same language and tools. During this course students will learn

what a differential equation is and the basic related concepts;
to recognize and solve certain classes of differential equations;
how differential equations model real-world problems.

A good part of Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 in the text will be covered.

Grade structure:

Homework	20%
Test 1	25%
Test 2	25%
Final Exam	30%

Grading policy:

A	90 - 100
B	80 - 89
C	65 - 79
D	50 - 64

Homework and Quizzes: Homework assignments are critical to understanding the material. There will be approximately one homework assignment each week, posted on Blackboard, which will usually be due a week later. However, most of the homework assignments will not be collected and graded; if a homework is not collected it will be followed by a quiz with problems out of the homework assignment. Late homework or make-up quizzes will not be accepted under any circumstances. Each graded assignment or quiz 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. It is encouraged to discuss homework problems with colleagues, but the submitted write-up should be the result of individual work only.

Tests and final exam: There will be two in-class tests and a final exam. The tests are scheduled for October 1 (Test 1) and November 5 (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 (Thursday, December 17, 6 pm - 8 pm, MP104), and there will be no exceptions.

Class materials and blackboard site: The course's blackboard site will be used for posting homework assignments and other class materials.

UMBC Academic Integrity Policy: By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC's scholarly community in which everyone's academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal. 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 Graduate School website http://www.umbc.edu/gradschool.