Prerequisites
MATH 227 with a grade of C or better; MATH 325 with a grade of C or better.Bulletin Description
First-order differential equations, second-order linear equations with constant coefficients, graphical and numerical methods, systems of differential equations and phase-plane analysis, existence and uniqueness theorems.Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course a student should be able to:- Solve a first order differential equation exactly.
- Solve a second order linear differential equation with constant coefficients using eigenvalues
- Graph and interpret the direction field associated with a first order differential equation.
- Use graphical software to investigate differential equations and their phase planes.
- Implement at least one numerical method for solving differential equations.
- Apply existence theorems to determine if an equation can be solved.
Evaluation of Students
Individual instructors will design their own grading schemes based on homework exercises, computer projects and examinations.Course Outline
| Topics | Number of Weeks |
| First-order Equations and First Order Systems | 4 |
| Linear Second-order Equations | 3 |
| Graphical and Numerical Methods | 3 |
| Phase Plane Analysis | 2 |
| Existence and Uniqueness Theorems | 2 |
Textbooks & Software
Boyce and DiPrima, Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Wiley, 2000Blanchard, Deveney, Hall, Differential Equations, Thomson, 2006
Submitted by: David Meredith
Date: Dec. 1st, 2005
