Text: Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, by Boyce and DiPrima, 7th Edition. (Earlier editions should be okay.) [You may be able to find a cheaper copy at http://www.addall.com.]
Goals: To cover chapters 7 & 9 of the textbook, and then to study recent research papers. Many problems require the use of a computer. Parts of the tests will be held in the Mathematics Computer Lab, Neckers 258.
Homework: Highly recommended, but not due.
Tests: There will be two midterm exams.
Test 1 will cover Chapter 7.
Test 2 will cover Chapter 9.
Project: There will be an optional project.
Final Exam:
There will be an optional two hour semi-comprehensive final exam.
Part 1 will cover Chapter 7.
Part 2 will cover Chapter 9.
Grades:
(1) If you only take the two midterms, they will count 50% each.
(2) If you do a project it will count 20%, with each midterm counting 40%.
(3) If you take the final and do better on a part than you did on the
corresponding midterm, I will replace your midterm grade with the
corresponding part of the final.
Cheating: The minimum penalty for cheating on a test or the project is a grade of F in the course, but more severe sanctions are possible. This is a big no no.
