Math 441 (Differential Equations) Fall 2005

This course provides a rigorous introduction to the subject of ordinary differential equations. Topics which we will cover include homogeneous and nonhomogeneous linear equations, series solutions and linear and nonlinear systems . We will concentrate heavily on the theoretical underpinnings of the subject, and give detailed discussions and proofs of the fundamental theorems. At the same time, we will indicate many of the numerous applications of differential equations to problems in engineering and the sciences. We will use the software package IODE (Illinois ODE's), developed here at the University of Illinois, as a tool for graphical visualization and numerical computation. This will entail at least one class meeting in a computer lab and several outside projects on your part. The prerequisite is completion of a course in multivariable calculus (Math 242, 243, or the equivalent). In addition, prior completion of Math 347 or 348 is highly recommended.

Links

Course announcements

Current course grades : click on `Score Reports'

Daily log of material covered in class and assigned homework

Contents

• Instructor information
• Course information
• Required texts and equipment
• Homework, computer labs and quizzes
• Exams
• Grading Policy
• Policies regarding late assignments
• Deadlines
• Feedback

• Instructor: Prof. Jeremy Tyson
• Office Location: 330 Illini Hall
• Office Phone: 244-4132
• Email: tyson@math.uiuc.edu
• Office Hours: Tue 10:00-11:00, WedFri 2:00-3:00, or by appointment

• Lecture Times: MonWedFri 9:00-9:50
• Lecture Location: 148 Henry Building
• Course web site: http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~tyson/441f05.html.

  Announcements of general information related to the class can be found at http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~tyson/441f05announcements.html

• Course Text: Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems (seventh edition), by W. E. Boyce and R. C. DiPrima (Wiley and Sons, 2003).

We will cover part or all of Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,7 and 9 of the text.

• Computer resources:
  • IODE: an interactive differential equations program developed by Peter Brinkmann, Robert Jerrard and Richard Laugesen of the University of Illinois.
  • Programs for Euler's method and slope field generation for graphing calculators (Texas Instruments TI-82, TI-85 and Sharp EL-9300, EL 9200).

• Homework: will be assigned each week. About half of the problems are to be turned in; the rest are for you to do on your own. Homework assignments will be due on Fridays; they can be turned in during class or in the box outside my office door by 4pm. You can always find the most current assignment at http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~tyson/441f05log.html Each week a selection of the submitted problems will be graded. I will drop your lowest homework score.

  Solutions copied directly from the back of the textbook or the IODE Solutions Manual will receive no credit!

• Quizzes: Approximately twice a month there will be a short quiz, covering 2--3 sections. Quizzes will always be announced at least one class period in advance on the website.

• Computer labs: This section of Math 441 will have a small computer component, using the free software package IODE (Illinois ODE's). Within the first few weeks, the class meet once in a math department computer lab for an introduction to the software. Over the course of the semester, several homework assignments will require the use of this software.

  You do not need any prior computing experience for this course.

  IODE web site: http://www.math.uiuc.edu/iode

• Grading Policy: Grades will be computed according to the following percentages:

  Homework (including IODE computer projects	20%
  Quizzes	10%
  First Midterm	20%
  Second Midterm	20%
  Final	30%

  You can track your current grade online using the math department score reports system at https://www-s.math.uiuc.edu/bluestem/grades.cgi All homework, quiz and exam grades will be posted there. You will need your NetID and NetID password.

• Policies regarding late assignments: Late homework will be accepted only if arrangements have been made with me before the deadline. However, exceptions can be made in other cases, for example, medical or family emergency. At the end of the semester I will drop the lowest homework score. (This does not include the IODE assignments, which are mandatory.) No late quizzes will be given, but if you miss a quiz for a reasonable (and documented) excuse as above, I will disregard that quiz when computing your final grade. At the end of the semester I will drop your lowest quiz grade. No make-up exams will be given. If a midterm exam is missed because of a serious (and documented) illness or emergency, your semester grade will be determined on the basis of other work done in the course. Exams missed for other reasons will be counted as failures. I will schedule a conflict time for the final exam if necessary. If you have a conflict with the date of the final or any of the midterm exams, please contact me to discuss the matter as soon as you are aware of the conflict.

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• Deadlines: The last day to add this course is Wednesday, September 7. The last day to drop this course is Friday, October 14.

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• Feedback:I am interested in your opinions on how the course is progressing, aspects which you feel are particularly helpful and those which you feel could be improved. You may submit comments about the course anonymously at

  http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~tyson/441feedback.html

  and about the IODE labs at

  http://www.math.uiuc.edu/iode/eval.html