AMATH 351
SLN 1057, MWF 1:10-2:10, Guggenheim Hall 410

Introduction to Differential Equations and Applications


Instructor:

 Eleftherios Gkioulekas
Guggenheim 405D
lf@amath.washington.edu
Office hours: MF 2:00-3:00pm

Teaching Assistant:

 Justine GunOg Seo
Guggenheim 405D
justine@amath.washington.edu
Homework Grades Message Board 2002 Web Page
Course description Textbook Syllabus Objectives Homework

Course Description

Introductory survey of ordinary differential equations. Linear and nonlinear equations. Taylor series. Laplace transforms. Emphasis on formulation, solution, and interpretation of results. Examples from physical and biological sciences and engineering.

Textbook and Notes

The first book on this list is the only one that is required. The second book, which is optional, has a lot of well-written examples and it will serve you well as a secondary study guide. The lectures by Nathan are freely available for you to download and print. There are a lot of examples here also as well as detailed explanation of concepts. Last but not least, there is a number of handouts that I will pass out in class that will be posted here.

Syllabus

  1. 1st order equations
  2. 2nd order linear equations: Exact methods
  3. Exam I
  4. Laplace transforms
  5. 2nd order linear equations: Asymptotic methods
  6. Exam II
  7. Linear systems
  8. Nonlinear Systems
  9. Exam III

Learning Objectives and Instructor Expectations

Although the subject matter of Introduction to Differential Equations and Applications can be made rather difficult, I will attempt to present the course material in as simple a manner as possible. More theoretical aspects, such as proofs, will not be presented. The emphasis will be on efficient solution of common problems and a practical understanding of the mathematics.

I will let you know clearly what you need to learn and what can be skipped. Homeworks are used to reinforce class lectures, but not as a way to introduce material not covered in class. Exams will emphasize basic techniques as applied to simple, fundamental problems.

Homework

Instructions for printing the homework and solutions are posted here.

  1. Homework 1: [ps][pdf] Due July 2 2003, Wednesday
    [ps][pdf] <-- answers
  2. Homework 2: [ps][pdf] Due July 11 2003, Friday
    [ps][pdf] <-- answers
  3. Exam 1 scheduled for Wednesday July 16, 2003
  4. Homework 3 [ps][pdf] Due July 27, 2003
    [ps][pdf] <-- answers
  5. Homework 4 [ps][pdf] Due August 4, 2003
    [ps][pdf] <-- answers
  6. Exam 2 scheduled for Monday August 11, 2003
  7. Homework 5 [ps][pdf] Due August 18, 2003
    [ps][pdf] <-- answers
  8. Homework 6 [ps][pdf] Due August 20, 2003
    [ps][pdf] <-- answers

I recommend that you learn how to use a computer algebra system. You will find it very useful in checking your homework and finding your mistakes before I find them. Most people use Mathematica or Maple. These are expensive commercial programs, but you will find computers with these programs installed in the MSCC lab. On the other hand, if you want a computer algebra system for your own computer at home, you may use one of the following programs, both of which are free software.

Grading

Your course grade will be calculated by weighing your homework, Exam I, Exam II, and Exam III grades in the proportions 40%, 20%, 20% and 20%, respectively. Homework problem sets will be assigned weekly. All exams will be cumulative, but will stress material you have not been previously examined on. No calculators will be allowed on exams, but students will be allowed one 8.5x11 sheet of hand-written notes.

You may view your homework and exam grades on-line. Before doing so for the first time, you must request a password.

<lf@amath.washington.edu>