Syllabus for MTH21902

SECTIONS COVERED: Most of Chapters 1-10. We will cover the following topics:

1. Solutions of a differential equation and their geometric interpretations
2. Existence and uniqueness of solutions of a differential equation
3. Defining characteristics of a differential equation, such as order and linearity
4. Methods for solving equations of order one
5. Linear independence of solutions and using the Wronskian to determine linear independence
6. Finding solutions of homogeneous and nonhomogeneous linear differential equations
7. Writing differential equations in terms of differential operators, and properties of differential operators
8. Solving linear differential equations with constant coefficients
9. Solving nonhomogeneous linear differential equations using undetermined coefficients and variation of parameters
10. The Laplace Transform and its inverse

BREAKDOWN OF GRADES:	HOMEWORK	20%
	TESTS	55%
	FINAL	25%

HOMEWORK: Several problems will be assigned each class and will be due the next class. I will post these problems on my homepage. If you must miss a class, please look on my homepage for the assignment. You will be expected to turn the assignment in when it is due. Not finding the problems on my web page is not an excuse for not turning in the assignment. These problems will be worth 1 point each and are to give you practice and to let us know where you may be having difficulty. It is very important that you do the homework, since it is by doing the homework that you will learn the material. You can work together, but make sure that you do not simply copy someone's work. Please do not hesitate to come see me about homework problems, or to ask about them in class. We will not have time to make detailed comments on your homework, so it is up to you to get all questions answered. The homework is due at the beginning of class. No late homework will be accepted. Your 4 lowest homework scores, determined by percentage, will be dropped.

TESTS: You will have 3 tests during the session. They are scheduled for February 2, March 2, and April 20. If you have a problem with one of these dates, let me know before the test is given. No makeup tests will be given. Each test will consist of problems similar to those given in the book, along with possibly some definitions and proofs. We cannot cover all possible variations of problems in the assigned homework, so you must do other problems as practice. These extra problems should be done throughout the semester, and not just when preparing for a test.

FINAL: The final exam will be cumulative. It is scheduled for Friday, April 27, at 2:00. Please make sure that you have no conflicts at this time.

GRADING SCALE:	A 90-100
	B 80-89
	C 70-79
	D 60-69

I reserve the right to adjust grades on an individual basis.

IMPORTANT DATES: Wednesday, January 10 through Friday, January 12, I will be gone to interview candidates at the AMS meeting. The last day to withdraw without record from a class is Wednesday, January 24. The last day to withdraw with a record of W is Wednesday, March 21.

Please check that your email address is correct at http://address.udayton.edu.