MAT 305, Spring 2002

Monday, Wednesday 5:30-6:50 p.m., Physics  P127

Instructor: Klaus Mohnke
                      klaus@math.sunysb.edu
                        Office: 4-109 Math Tower
                        phone: (631)632-8271

Office Hours: Monday  2-3 p.m. in  MLC  ,
                              Wednesday 2-4 p.m. in Math Tower  4-109

Recitation: Thursday 5:30-6:25
T.A.:  Wonkuk Kim,  wkim@math.sunysb.edu
Office Hours: N/A

Textbook: Boyce,DiPrima: Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems,  Wiley, 7th Edition
Boyce,DiPrimaElementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Wiley, 7th Edition

What is this course about?
Observables in natural sciences and  humanities are subject to change. The rate of change with respect to time, location, etc. could thereby depend  on many parameters, among which quite often is the observable itself. This leads, at least in the (mathematical) model to so-called differential equations. We will study different types of these and methods to solve them . We will then represent these solutions geometrical and discuss what they mean for the original problem. Second, we will discuss when a differential equation has a solution in great generality. If time permits we will also study methods to describe the qualitative behavior of solutions, in particular for such equations which cannot be explicitly solved.  The course ends with a study of partial differential equations and Fourier series. A tentative  syllabus  will be updated according to the progress of the class.

Prerequisites: This is an upper division's course. Knowledge of basic calculus (Fundamental Theorem, Separable Differential Equations) is expected, knowledge of material from MAT 203/205 is beneficial, especially for the last part of the course on partial differential equations.

Grading Policy: Your grade will be determined by your scores on

  • Midterm 1   : 20%
  • Midterm 2   : 20%
  • Final              : 40%
  • Recitations  : 20%
    • Homework: Homework problems will be assigned weekly (see  syllabus ) . They are due the next week in recitation.  One problem will be graded each week.  You get 5 points if you (reasonably) attempt to solve at least 50% of the problems and 5 points if you solve the graded problem correctly. You are expected to participate in recitations. The T.A. will assign a recitation grade at the end of the course based on your graded homework problems and your performance in recitations classes.

    Exam Schedule:

    Midterm 1: Wednesday, February 20, 5:30-6:50 p.m., Physics P127
    Midterm 2: Wednesday, April 3, 5:30-6:50 p.m., Physics P127
    Final Exam: Wednesday, May 15, 5-7:30 p.m. , Physics P127,   Sample Test (PDF) ,  (PostScript) , Sample Test Solutions!! (PDF) , (PostScript)


    Students with Disabilities: If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, you are strongly urged to contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services (DSS) office: Room 133 in the Humanities Building; 632-6748v/TDD. The DSS office will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. A written DSS recommendation should be brought to your lecturer who will make a decision on what special arrangements will be made. All information and documentation of disability is confidential. Arrangements should be made early in the semester (before the first exam) so that your needs can be accommodated.

    Klaus Mohnke
    Wed Jan 22  02:10  EST 2002