Prerequisites: Math 141
Texts:
- Notes on Diffy Qs Differential Equations for Engineers by Jiří Lebl
- Elementary Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems by William F. Trench with accompanying Student Solution Manual
Course Content: We will cover most of 0.2, 0.3 and Chapters 1-8 of Lebl. Suggested problems will also be assigned from Chapters 1, 2, 4-12 of Trench.
Course Objectives: The goal of this course is to introduce students to ordinary and partial differential equations and applications. The topics covered include first order linear, separable, exact, autonomous equations and applications; second order linear homogeneous and non-homogeneous equations and applications to vibrations and forced vibrations; series solutions of linear second order equations, higher order linear equations; Laplace transforms and applications to initial value problems with discontinuous or impulsive forcing terms; 2×2 matrices and systems of linear differential equations; nonlinear systems, phase portraits, stability, predator-prey equations; two point boundary value problems, Fourier series, separation of variables, heat, wave and Laplace’s equations.
Grades: There will be three midterms and a comprehensive final examination. In addition to this, there will weekly quizzes. The final grades will be determined as follows:
| Quizzes | 10% | Most Fridays, in class |
| Exam 1 | 20% | TBA |
| Exam 2 | 20% | TBA |
| Exam 3 | 20% | TBA |
| Final Exam | 30% | TBA |
Your total score will translate to letter grades roughly as follows:
90%=A-, 80%=B-, 70%=C, 60%=D, <60%=F
The assignment of + and – will be decided at the end of the semester according to the overall class performance.
Late drop deadline: Friday, Nov 11
No Calculators or other electronic devices will be allowed during exams or quizzes.
Attendance: Note that poor attendance in class usually results in poor performance on quizzes and exams.
You are responsible to get any information and/or notes for a missed class from a classmate.
Study Tips: The quiz and exam problems will mostly be based on the suggested problems and will be of the same level of difficulty. Hence, to succeed in this course you should do all the suggested problems. Try the practice problems first by yourself before asking for help or looking at solutions.
This syllabus is subject to change. Changes will be announced in class.
University Policies
Academic Integrity: All Penn State policies regarding ethics and honorable behavior apply to this course. Any form of cheating on an exam or quiz will result in a 0 for the grade on that test. Serious forms of cheating will be referred to the appropriate University offices and can lead to suspension or expulsion from the University.
Disability Services: Students with a documented disability are required to share their accommodation letter with their instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early as possible. For more information, go to Student Disability Resources.
Counselling & Psychological Services: The Counseling Center is staffed by licensed counselors who provide both individual counseling and case management services.
Crisis/emergency and after-hours mental health concerns are advised to call the Penn State Crisis Line at 877-229-6400.
For more information go to Counseling and Psychological Services.
Education Equity and Report Bias: Students may use an online form to report any act of intolerance they experience themselves or observe directed against anyone else. For more information go to Report Bias.