Instructor: Dr. Shidong Li
Office: TH 929,    Phone: x81481,  email: shidong@sfsu.edu
Office Hours:  M, W 11:10 - 12:00, or by appointment.
Prerequisite:  C or better in Math 227.

Text: Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, by
Boyce/DiPrima, 8th edition.

Topics to be covered:
Chapter 1:  Introduction
Chapter 2:  First Order differential equations
Chapter 3:  Second order differential equations
Chapter 4:  Sections 4.1 and 4.2: generalization to higher order ODEs.
Chapter 7:  System of first order linear equations (7.1 - 7.7)
Chapter 9:  Nonlinear Differential Equations and stability (9.1 - 9.3)
Chapter 8:  Numerical Solutions (selected sections/topics)

Some computer lab sessions during the semester will be scheduled.  Computer
demos as well as lab sessions are designed to facilitate the
understanding of certain physical phenomenon modeled by differential
equations. They are to make the course easier.  The emphasis (in using
computers) will be on the analysis and understanding of the problems and
solutions of differential equations.  A significant component shall also be
devoted to the understanding of phenomenon of numerical instabilities of
certain differential equations, in which numerical solution can often
lead to fatal errors.

Grading Percentage: 

Homework	10%
Weekly quizzes	20%
Mid-term (tentatively 10/25 (Monday))	30%
Final Exam (12/15 Wednesday: 8:00 - 10:30am) & nbsp;	30%
Projects	10%

Pay attention to Fall's calendar and deadlines

Exam/Quiz policy: Two lowest quiz grades will be dropped from the course
grade.  No make-up quiz will be given.  Make-up exams may be allowed
should you have verifiable and compelling reason.  In such cases,
students are expected to notify the instructor prior to the exam.

Homework are assigned on each lecture.  Students are expected to
spend 2-3 hours on each assignment. Working in groups on homeworks
(to help each other) are encouraged.