MAP 2302 Honors Differential Equations

Course Policies at Wilkes Honors College, FAU, Spring 2007

Instructor:  Dr. Eugene Belogay (pronounced Beh-law-GUY) Email: ebelogay@fau.edu
Office:  MHC 162 Phone: 799-8028 URL: www.fau.edu/~ebelogay/teach/2302/
Hours:    Mon, Wed 3:30-6, Fri 10-11. By appointment only: Mon 6-7, Fri 3-5.

Course overview (based on Prof. D. Meade's description)
This is it! This is why you studied Calculus and why Newton invented it in the first place! Differential equations form the main "language" utilized by scientists and engineers to model the physical world and predict the future.

In this course you will learn both how to use differential equations to describe various phenomena and how to analyze differential equations -- often without finding an explicit formula for the solution. Mastering the basic concepts of differential equations will enable you to model and analyze real-world situations and to interpret and communicate the result of your work.

We will reach this goal using a variety of numerical, graphical, and analytic methods (the familiar Rule of Three). You will use state-of-the-art computer software to perform many of the mechanical calculations. You will also learn to recognize when the use of the computer is appropriate and when hand (or mental) calculations are more more efficient. Finally, in the real world, problems and solutions must be communicated effectively, both in writing and in speaking, and you will get a lot of practice doing this. You will have the opportunity to work in groups, and you may discover that math can be a pleasant social activity! The text preface, and the note to the student, give the authors' perspective and is well worth reading.

Textbook
P. Blanchard, R. Devaney, G. Hall, Differential Equations with CD, 3rd edition 2006 (ISBN 0495012653). 
(Read opinions at Amazon.com.)
Book coverage: Chapters 1-5, and 8.

Prerequisites: MAC 2312 (Calculus II)

Workload
Expect to spend 6 to 12 hours per week reading the class notes and the textbook, solving problems, playing with DETools, working in the lab, and writing reports.

Lab Projects and Exams
There will be 2-3 midterm tests and a cumulative final exam.
Team lab projects will be assigned, collected and graded weekly. Each team consists of 2-3 students (all team members receive the same grade).  It is a good idea to submit a preliminary draft before the due date -- my feedback will help you correct mistakes on time. Drafts are optional and will not be graded, but a heeded draft feedback usually leads to a higher grade.

Homework
I expect you to attempt all (this textbook has plenty!) exercises after each section. I will assign selected problems for your special attention,
some of which I will collect for grading every Monday.

Attendance
The discussions in class will complement the information in the textbook.  Some issues will be covered only in class and not in the book, while some will be covered only in the book and not in class.  Therefore, your attendance is mandatory.  You're responsible for all the work done in class.  If you miss a class, get the notes from a classmate.  Come to class prepared.

No Make-ups
There will be no make-up for missed assignments for any reason. The worst midterm test will have a lesser weight. For weekly assignments (HW and labs), the worst two grades will be dropped.

Help
Please ask me questions and seek my assistance with no delay.  You may email me at any time, and I encourage you to make use of my office hours.  It is a good idea to do most of your lab work before 6 pm, so I can help you in real time.

Grading: homework 10%, labs 15%, midterms 40%, final 35%.  The Honor Code applies to all graded work.