MTH 238 COURSE OUTLINE Spring 2001
INSTRUCTOR: K.W.NICHOLSON OFFICE HOURS: Posted On http://207.157.12.149
Email: caccphysic@aol.com

TEXT: Differential Equations with Applications and Historical Notes, George F. Simmons, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill International Series in Pure and Applied Mathematics


TOPICS COVERED: Chapters 1-3, 9, 14 in Simmons: Separable and linear first order ordinary differential equations, higher order ordinary linear differential equations (undetermined coefficients, reduction of order and variation of parameters, linear differential operators, the concepts of span, linear independence, basis and dimension, Laplace transform of some standard functions, initial value problems using Laplace transforms;


PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE:
This course is an introduction to the basic theory of ordinary differential equations and applications of differential equation useful for students in the hard sciences, engineering and mathematics.


EVALUATION:
ItemDateDiscussion
3-100 point testsFeb 1, March 8, April 5No make up tests will be given. A missed test will be replaced by 1/2 of your final exam score.
1-200 pt Final ExamMay 8, 2000, 8 - 10Final will be comprehensive.
Miscellaneous hand-in problems and quizzesDue on date specifiedPriced as marked.
Occasional Group Activities 10 pts eachWill be announced at a day in advanceGroup activities will be conducted in the physics lab.

GRADES:
The above total, excluding bonus points, is 1065, (plus a few points, depending on miscellaneous assignments), and your accumulative total will be divided by that amount to calculate your final average.

90 - 100 = A, 80 - 89 = B, 70 - 79 = C, 60 - 69 = D, 0 - 59 = F

NOTES:
l. Final percentage will be rounded UP, i.e., a final percent of 79.00000001 will be rounded up to 80.
2. You should keep all returned papers. You should also keep track of the ratio (your accumulative total)/(The accumulative total possible to date) as the quarter progresses. If this ratio is below 70 at midterm (March 1, 2000), you should come for a conference with the instructor to discuss what each of us can do to retrieve you from doom.
3. If you have more than two excused absences you are advised to drop the course.

4. Words of wisdom regarding Math homework.

I hear........ and I forget,

I see..........and I remember,

I do...........and I understand.



Class time: 8:00 - 9:15 Tuesday and Thursday DAILY SCHEDULE
DateTopicAssignment
Jan 9
11
16
18
23
25
30
Feb 1
6
8
13
15
20
22
27
Mar 1
Mar 6
8
13
15
Mar 17 - Ap 1
Apr. 3
5
10
12
17
19
24
26
May 1
May 3
May 8Final Exam 8 - 10