Mathematics 266: Introduction to Differential Equations I

Spring 2007

Professor:

Class notes (last half of semester)

Textbook:

Prerequisites:

Credits:

Class meetings:

Email contact:

• Instructor: Scott Hansen (Associate Professor):
  
• email: shansen@iastate.edu
  

  Course Topics:

  • Chapter 1: Introduction (Examples, Direction Fields, Classification of DE's)
  • Chapter 2: First Order Differential Equations
  • Chapter 3: Second Order Differential Equations
  • Chapter 7: Systems of Differential Equations
  Additional topics from chapters 4 and 9 may be included if time permits.

  Calculators

  Students are required to have a calculator for this class. Calculators should be capable of graphing functions and zooming in on the graphs. It will be helpful to know how to use it to factor polynomials also. Whatever calculator you use, it is your responsibility to learn how to use it. Calculators will be allowed on exams, but should not be used to make a problem trivial. If a calculator can easily solve a problem, I expect to see the intermediate steps written out by hand.

  Homework:

  Students are expected to work the "Suggested Exercises" listed on the problem list as the corresponding sections are covered. These will usually not be handed in or graded, but are necessary to do in order to keep up with the class. These will often be the basis for quizzes and "turn-in" homework that will be assigned in class.

  Course Policy, Grading

  The course grade is based upon the scores from 2 in-class exams, the homeworks, quizzes and a comprehensive final exam. See course policy for detailed information about exams, homework, quizzes, make-up policy, etc.

  My Webpage Policy

  The primary source of information, unless otherwise mentioned, is the classroom. I will try to post helpful information, such as turn-in assignments, quiz announcements, but errors and delays in posting information may happen. The only completely reliable way to stay up with the class is to attend regularly. If you see some errors or inconsistencies on the class homepage, let me know and I'll double check.

  Disabilities

  It is the policy of ISU to make attempts to accommodate any disabilities. Please let me know if you need any special accommodations due to a disability.

  Last updated Jan. 04, 2007