This course provides an introduction to the subject of ordinary differential equations. The methods are very traditional, beginning with a complete presentation of methods and theory for first order equations. Model building plays a larger role at this point in the course than later. Following this the student is introduced to the general theory of linear higher order equations as well as a full range of methods for handling constant coefficient problems. Vibration problems are the main classical application of these results. After that the subject splits into two distinct streams. The stream dealing with Boundary Value Problems covers the classical method of separation of variables as a means of studying the three main partial differential equations of mathematical physics, the wave equation, the heat equation, and Laplaces equation. Fourier series is introduced as an important subject in the solution of boundary value problems. The second stream deals with Linear Systems. It covers the theory of linear (low dimensional) systems of differential equations using a basic matrix structure as the foundation. Coupled oscillators and electrical circuits are important applications in this stream.

Syllabus of the Course:

• Boundary Value Problems Stream
• Linear Systems Stream

Tutoring Room Info and Schedule: A tutoring room is available for all Math 285 students starting Monday January 25. Its location and schedule are shown below:
 

Time and Location	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
3-5 pm 184 Lincoln Hall	Chaoyuan Liu Hui Li	Hui Li Jae-ug Lee	Hui Li Jinhee Li	N. Dzhelepov Kwang Shin
7-9 pm 57 Everitt Lab	Jae-ug Lee F. Littmann	Kwang Shin Youn-seo Choi	Jae-ug Lee Heekyoung Hahn	Kwang Shin Youn-seo Choi

 

Web Pages for the Sections:

• Section B1 - Palmore
• Section C1 - Ash
• Section C2 - Robinson
• Section D1 - Hamstrom
• Section X1 - Lotz
• Section X2 - Nikolaev
• Section E1 - Schupp
• Section F1 - Muncaster

Sample Tests: The sample tests below are provided for practice work only. They were given in past classes of Prof. Muncaster and don't necessarily represent the way in which other instructors might structure tests.

• Sample Test 1a, Sample Test 1b (both streams)
• Sample Test 2a, Sample Test 2b (both streams)
• Sample Test 3 BVP, Sample Test 3 SYS
• Sample Final Exam BVP, Sample Final Exam SYS

Final Exam Schedule:

• Section B1 - Palmore - 8:00-11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 12
• Section C1 - Ash - 8:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, May 8
• Section C2 - Robinson - 8:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, May 8
• Section D1 - Hamstrom - 8:00-11:00 AM, Friday, May 14
• Section X1 - Lotz - 7:00-10:00 PM, Tuesday, May 11
• Section X2 - Nikolaev - 7:00-10:00 PM, Tuesday, May 11
• Section E1 - Schupp - 1:30-4:30 PM, Monday, May 10
• Section F1 - Muncaster - 1:30-4:30 PM, Friday, May 7