Overview. This is a course in elementary differential equations and some linear algebra with an emphasis on methods and applications. Proofs are either omitted or treated lightly. As time permits, present applications (possible from sections of the text not listed below) whenever possible. Since MAT 2250 is not a prerequisite, no prior knowledge of linear algebra (other than three-dimensional vectors and determinants) is assumed. Numerical methods are taught in the College of Engineering and so are not covered here. The current texts are (a) Fundamentals of Differential Equations, sixth edition), by R.K. Nagle, E.B. Saff and A.D. Snider, and (b) Matrix Operations (Schaum's outlines series) by R. Bronson. Students must read the text books. We will cover almost all of Chapters 1-4 and 6-9 from text book (a), and Chapter 1-6 from text book (b). However, we will need to expand upon and emphasize the appropriate parts from the sketchy Schaum's Outline text. Mathematical rigor will be kept to the minimum. Frequently, check here for an update (course outline) on this syllabus.
Eligibility. You must have completed MAT 2030 (third semester Calculus) in order to enroll in the course. If you have already received credit for MAT 2350 then you will receive only 1 degree credit for this course.
Classes begin Tue 05/Sep/06. There will be five (5) one-hour Partial Examination during the term (scheduled on Tue 19/Sep/06, Mon 09/Oct/06, Mon 30/Oct/06, Fri 17/Nov/06, Mon 11/Dec/06 , one for each chapter). Review is expected on the last three (3) classes. Tue 21/Nov/06 and Wed 22/Nov/06 are scheduled as Thursday and Friday, respectively. No class during Thanksgiving Recess (Thu 23/Nov/06 -- Fri 24/Nov/06). Classes end Wed 13/Dec/06. Final Examination will be on Thu 21/Dec/06, 08:00 - 10:30 a.m. Makeup exams will not be given unless (exceptionally) arranged in advance.
Quizzes will be given each Friday that no exam is scheduled. They will be given at the END of the period of class and will last approximately fifteen or twenty minutes. NO makeup quizzes will be given at all.
Homework assignments will be given for each of the sections we cover, usually they will not be collected. If you have trouble with the problems assigned, you should do more of them that just the one assigned. You may turn in (for correction rather than grading) such assignments even if they are not collected. Keeping up with the homework is probably the single most important things you can do to improve your chances for a good grade.
Attendance to class will be excused (only) in the case of sickness or other emergency. Missing a bus, oversleeping, other tests the same day, etc., are not sufficient reasons for missing a lecture. You will be asked to document the circumstances which caused you to miss the lecture. Ask questions! It's your responsibility to ask about anything you don't understand. Write down the things that bother you while you're reading the text or working on problems, so you'll be ready with a list of questions when you come to class and/or office hours. There's no such thing as a stupid question, usually other students are grateful that you asked the question. Cell Phones and Pages should be turned off during class. Warning to the wise: It is essential to success in this course that attendance be regular and that homework be done daily. Do not allow yourself to get behind.
Grading. The eight best quizzes will give a total quiz grade of 20 points. Each partial examination is 20 points, and the final exam is 40 points. The worst of the seven scores (or 1/2 of the final if that is worst) will be eliminated and the rest totaled (up to 140 points). An almost standard grading scale will be applied (140-125 is A, 125-115 is A-, 115-105 is B+, 105-95 is B, 95-85 is B-, 85-80 is C+, 80-70 is C, 70-65 is C-, 65-60 is D+, 60-50 is D, 50-45 is D-, 0-45 is E). This scale may be lowered (never raised) if necessary accordingly to the distribution of grades. HOWEVER, please note the departmental policy saying that if your final exam grade is not passing (i.e., C- or better), then your best grade is D. At the end of the semester, finals grades will be posted in final grades, next to the last four digits of the student's PID.
Office Hours. Mon and Wed 09:40 -- 10:20, and by appointment at 1229 Faculty/Administrative Building , Phone (313) 577-3196, Dr. J.L. Menaldi (e-mail: jlm@math.wayne.edu) 05/Sep/06.