FALL 2009 COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT
MATH 424/624: Ordinary Differential Equations
| Instructor: |
R. Cortez
410 Gibson Hall
862-3436
cortez@math.tulane.edu |
| Lecture: |
MWF 11:00-11:50am
TBA |
| Office Hours: |
M 10-11am, T 11am-noon and by appointment |
Course Description
This course will present linear and nonlinear ordinary
differential equations and a variety of methods for
solving the equations. An important part of the course
will be to learn techniques for finding properties of
the solution in cases when it is not possible to find
the full solution. I will try to emphasize equally the
mathematical theory, the development of intuition and
applications. The linear algebra background will be
important for building the general solutions of linear
ODE's and understanding what the eigenvalues of certain
matrices mean to the solution.
By the end of the course, the students will have an
understanding of how to create ODE models of physical
phenomena, how to solve ODE's using various methods, and
how to interpret the solutions.
Intended audience: Seniors and advanced juniors
from mathematics, engineering and applied sciences.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of calculus and linear algebra.
Topics
Typical topics covered are (not a comprehensive list):
linear first-order, second-order, higher-order ODE's, systems
of first-order linear ODE's, the methods of undetermined
coefficients and variation of parameters, Laplace transforms,
stability of solutions, series solutions, boundary conditions,
numerical solutions using MATLAB.
Textbook
Elementary
Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems
by William E. Boyce and Richard C. DiPrima, 9th Ed., Wiley.
Grades
The grade G will be computed numerically using the formula:
G = 0.4 H + 0.2 M1 + 0.2 M2 + 0.15 F + 0.05 P
where H = homework, Mk = midterm k, F = final project and
P = participation (subjective points based on the student's
class contributions and attendance).
Exams
The midterms will be 50-minute in-class exams.
The final project will be assigned either individually or
in groups and will require a written report and an oral
presentation. Both parts will count toward the grade.
Homework
Assignments will be given on Wednesdays and will be due
the following Wednesday unless otherwise specified. All
assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the
lecture on the day they are due.
Important dates
| Classes begin | Mon. Aug. 24 |
| Labor day holiday | Mon. Sep. 7 |
| Midterm 1 | Fri. Sep. 25 (tentative) |
| Yom Kippur holiday | Mon. Sep. 28 |
| Fall break | Oct. 15 - 18 |
| Midterm 2 | Fri. Nov. 6 (tentative) |
| Thanksgiving holiday | Nov. 25 - 29 |
| Last day of class | Fri. Dec. 4 |
| Final Exam | December 9, 1:00pm - 5:00pm |