Text(s)/Materials:

Zill, Dennis. 1995. Differential Equations With Computer Lab Experiments. PWS.
West, Strogatz, McGill, Cantwell. 1996 Interactive Differential Equations Workbook With CD-ROM. Addison Wesley Interactive.

Course Description:

Differential Equations is a one semester course which covers the material that is normally covered in one semester college differential equations course. Students will be expected to have finished BC Calculus II. The emphasis of the course is on the methods of solutions to ordinary differential equations together with applications. An introduction to qualitative and numerical methods will be given. Topics covered include but are not limited to: initial and boundary-value problems, various methods for solving first and higher order equations, systems of differential equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, various numerical methods, and series solutions. A lab experience with work on the computer will be a significant portion of the course.

Teaching and Learning Methodology and Philosophy:

Students should be involved in exploration of the concepts and topics through computer work, reading of the text and outside material, giving presentations to classmates, and through working in groups to solve problems and make extensions. Students will be asked to engage in the dialogue of problem solving, and help their classmates understand the content of the course. Learning to write and speak in clear and precise mathematical language is a major goal throughout this course.

Student Expectations:

Students are expected to come to each class prepared to contribute their fair share to the classroom learning experience. This involves doing all assigned reading and attempting all assigned problems before coming to class. Students are expected to work together and independently in deepening their understanding of course concepts. Students will be expected to work together in groups to prepare and give classroom presentations on selected topics during the semester.

Assessment Practices, Procedures, and Processes:

Students are assessed through a variety of means including but not limited to: oral, written in-class and out-of-class exams, quizzes, classroom presentations, computer lab write-ups, and homework. Semester grades are based on 40% for each quarter grade and 20% from the final exam.

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