WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Ordinary Differential Equations, Math 13, will have a new registration code each time it is offered. Its meeting times and places will vary from term to term. Consult the current schedule of classes for this information.

TEXT

The text and use of software will be determined by the instructor.

TOPICS

The subjects to be covered in the course are roughly the following.

What is an Ordinary Differential Equation?
	Fundamental Principle: f ’=0 => f =constant
			Linear Equations
			Separable Equations
			Exact Equations
			Integrating Factors
	Homogeneous Equations
	Existence and Uniqueness Theorem
		§2.11 example, and analytic conditions

Higher order linear equations
	Constant Coefficients
	Non-homogeneity
	Undetermined Coefficients
	Variations of Parameters
	Series Solutions
	Laplace Transforms

Systems of Equations
	Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
	Matrix Methods, Diagonalization and Canonical Form

· Numerical Methods
	Runge-Kutta
	Stability

GENERAL INFORMATION

The only known way to learn the subject is to do problems. A great deal of your time will be devoted to practice and discussion of problems, so there should be ample time to deal with difficulties arising in your studies. You should feel free to ask anyone for help, or work with your classmates, on assignments. Reasonable behavior that will help you learn the subject is certainly acceptable.

In general it will be helpful to have several writing utensils, a calculator and scratch paper handy as you work on this material. You will want to have a file, folder, or notebook in which you keep all of your notes. Much of this can be kept on computers, and you should also have a file on a hard drive and some sort of memory storage device (ZIP disc, memory stick, or some such) on which you keep all of your class related material.

Any feedback you have regarding the course will be welcome and deeply appreciated. Please feel encouraged to comment (anonymously or otherwise, as you please). And certainly at all times feel free to ask questions regarding either the structure of the class or the material being covered.

ATTENDANCE

You are not required to show up for class. Nevertheless, attendance will be recorded daily for administrative purposes. You are responsible for the work, and if you do not attend the responsibility to cover missed material is yours.

EXAM INFORMATION

A final exam will be given at a time set by the college. Midterm arrangements will be made by the instructor.

HOMEWORK SUBMISSION

Homework arrangements will be made by the instructor.

GRADING

Grading arrangements will be made by the instructor.