Lynn S. Bennethum (Interim Instructor);  Gary Olson will be the instructor
Office: CU 638, Phone  (303) 556-4810
Office hours: Tues. and Thurs. noon-1:00PM  the MERC lab (in Sci 132, then to be moved to the 4th floor of the NC building near CLAS advising and the writing lab) or by appointment.

e-mail: Lynn.Bennethum@ucdenver.edu

Web page:  http://www.math.ucdenver.edu/~bennethm   

Fax: (303) 556-8550

Home Phone: (303) 683-6983 (Please call after 9am and before 9:30pm - about half the time I work at home on Fridays).

Textbook: Differential Equations and Linear Algebra by C. H. Edwards and D. E. Penney.   2005, Pearson Prentice Hall.   

Couse Description:  This is an introductory course to ordinary differential equations and linear algebra with an emphasis on applications.  it is a combination of two 3 credit-hour courses:  Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra.  It consists of roughly 2.5 credits of differential equations and 1.5 credits of linear algebra.   We will focus on 1) how to solve ordinary differential equations, 2) how to interpret the solution, and 3) how to apply them to solve real world problems.

Prerequisite: Calculus II (Math 2411)

• Learn to recognize and classify various types of ordinary differential equations
• Understand the qualitative nature of solutions to certain classes of differential equations with emphasis on exponential growth, oscillations, and equilibrium solutions
  
•  Learn to solve certain types of elementary differential equations analytically, with an emphasis on first-order differential equations and higher-order linear differential equations.
• Develop skill in formulating differential equation models to address problems arising in engineering, physics, and other applied areas.
• Gain exposure to a few numerical and graphical tools for studying and solving differential equations.
• Learn about linear systems and matrices.
• Learn about eigenvalues and eigenvectors and use them to solve systems of ordinary differential equations.

Grading: The grade will consist of homework, 2 or 3 exams, a final, and  possibly projects.
 

Homework:
     Homework will be assigned weekly, and will be due at the beginning of class the following week. I believe doing homework is vital to learning the material in this class.  You should expect to spend at least 6-8 hours/ week on the homework and preparing for class.  However you should spend your time wisely.  If you find yourself working on one problem for more than 10 minutes without progressing, then move on to another problem - often doing other problems will clarify something which you needed to do for the original problem.   If you are getting stuck on all the problems, then it is time to talk with a classmate (working together is encouraged!) or to come see me.
     I will grade 4-6 problems from each homework set and you will get additional points for attempting every problem. Each homework will be worth 30 points. I will accept late homework, but with a penalty. Homework turned in during class to the next class will get half credit.  Homework turned in more than one class late will receive no credit.   If you think I have made a mistake in grading a problem (not unheard of!), then you need to tell me within a week after the homework is returned. A list of all assignments will be kept on my website. The lowest two homework grades will be dropped.

    The purpose of homework is for me to give you feedback on your logic.  It defeats this purpose if you just write down the answer (this will be worth zero points unless it's a short answer question).  Take advantage of my giving you feedback - if you are not clear on a step write out the question and denote it clearly.   For each homework question:

1. Give a short summary of the problem statement.  I should not have to refer to the text to determine the problem statement.
2. Organize all work neatly.  It should be written so that a classmate who does not know how to solve the problem can follow your solution easily. 
3. Box or highlight your final answer.

Exams and Final:  
There will be two or three in-class exams and a final.   I do not plan to give any make-up tests. If you must miss a test, please contact me BEFOREHAND, as I will tend to be more lenient. However, if I am approached after the fact, I will expect some ``hard'' evidence (i.e. doctor's excuse, death certificate...) Whatever the circumstance, please get in touch with me.

Projects:  There may be up to two projects due in this class.  The projects can be chosen from a list of projects.  More details will be provided later.

Technology: A graphing calculator (TI-89/92) is often very handy during lectures and to check your work. You may also use technology on assigned homework problems and your projects, though it will be expected that you can work many problems by hand.  Technology will NOT be allowed on the exams.  If you have a Window PC, you may obtain a free version of DERIVE5 from the MERC Lab.  Follow the installation instructions carefully!  If you would like to use other computer/software, please see me so that we can be sure that your software does what is necessary for this class.  You must be able to print out your results.

Cheating: Cheating of any kind results in a grade of F and possible expulsion from the university. It isn't worth it, so don't do it.

Final Exam: The final will be scheduled during the week of May 11th.    Attendance at the Final Exam is mandatory.  The Final Exam CANNOT be given in advance.  Requests can be made to reschedule the exam if it conflicts with another final exam.  Otherwise having the final re-scheduled is extremely rare and is not permitted for reasons such as plane tickets purchased early and attendance at weddings. Plan accordingly!

Drops and Incompletes:  Non-CLAS students (engineering) have until April 6th and CLAS students (math, economics) have until April 20th, 5pm, to drop this course with only the instructor's (but not the Dean's) signature.  The incomplete policy of the department and college is strictly enforced.  Incomplete grades (IW or IF) are not granted for low academic performance.  To be eligible for an incomplete grade, students must meet all of the following requirements:

1. The student successfully completed a minimum of  75% of the course.
2. There were special circumstances beyond the student's control that precluded the student from attending class and completing the course.
3. Verification of these special circumstances is required.
4. The student has made arrangements to complete the missing coursework with the original instructor via a CLAS Course Completion Agreement.  The Course Completion Agreement is available from the CLAS Advising office (NC 2024) or from the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.