Course Objectives

• Derive solutions of separable and linear first-order differential equations.
• Interpret solutions of differential equation models in mechanics, circuits, &c.
• Derive solutions of linear second order equations or systems that have constant coefficents.
• Apply the Laplace transform to solve forced linear differential equations.
• Determine the behavior of solutions near critical points of planar systems.
• Express the solutions of analytic differential equations in power series.

REQUIRED WORK

• [10%] Daily class participation. You will be called on to present solutions to assigned homework on the blackboard.
• [40%] Quizzes. At each Friday class meeting (except the week of the midterm exam), a 20-minute quiz will be given. Your best 10 scores on the 14 quizzes count toward this part of your grade. There are no make-ups. Quiz problems may address anything covered up to the third preceding class day.
• [25%] Written reports. About three papers will be assigned during the term. Working in teams you will use what you have learnt about Differential Equations to explore some scientific problems and report your results.
• [25%] Exams. There will be an in-class Midterm Exam and a two-hour Final Exam.

To prepare for class each day:

• Read the assigned section(s) in the text.
• Prepare solutions to the assigned problems to present on the board in class.
• Practice by solving additional problems at the end of each section of the text.