MATH 224-01: Introduction to Applied Mathematics

Spring 2009

Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:

E-mail:
Phone:

Ricardo Cortez
Gibson Hall 410
Tue 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wed 1:00 pm - 2:00pm
or by appointment
rcortez@tulane.edu
(504)862-3436

TA:
Office:
Office Hours:

E-mail:
Phone:

Franz Hoffmann
Gibson Hall 415-A

Prerequisites

Math 122 or Math 131

Description

An introduction to the techniques of applied Mathematics. The emphasis will be on the Mathematical modeling by differential equations of a variety of applications in the natural sciences. Numerical and graphical techniques for finding both quantitative and qualitative information about solutions will be discussed and implemented on the computer. No programming experience is assumed.

Textbook

John Polking, Albert Boggess, and David Arnold, Differential Equations,, Second Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006.

Topics to be covered

The course will cover all chapters of the textbook. Chapters 2, 4, 5, 9 and 11 contain mathematical theory for solving linear differential equations. Chapter 10 contains theory for nonlinear differential equations. Chapter 3 and projects in other chapters provide applications which will be supplemented with additional material. Finally, chapter 6 contains techniques for solving differential equations computationally. We will use the software MATLAB for this. The remaining chapters provide supporting material.

Supplementary Resources

John Polking and David Arnold, Ordinary Differential Equation using MATLAB, Third Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004, and associated matlab software.
MATLAB. A tutorial can be found in many places: Site 1 | Site 2 | Site 3 (PDF) |
Scientific calculator. See the Mathematics Department's calculator policy for further details.

General Information

Attendance: Students are required to attend all sessions.
Lectures: Gibson Hall 310, MWF noon - 12:50pm
TA Labs: Gibson Hall 310, Thu 5:30pm - 6:45pm.
Homework: All homework will be due on Thursday at the beginning of the TA Lab unless otherwise specified.
Quizzes: Ten-minute quizzes will be given during the TA Lab at most meetings.
Exams: There will be two exams during the semester and a final exam according to the schedule below. No make-up exams will be given without valid written excuses and the approval of the instructor. Missing the final exam without prior notification to and approval of the instructor will automatically result in a grade of "F" for the semester.

EXAM DATE
Exam 1 Thursday February 5 (tentative)
Exam 2 Thursday March 19 (tentative)
Final Exam Friday May 1. 8am - noon

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to recognize, classify and solve various types of ordinary differential equations.
Students will be familiar with terminology such as constant coefficients, linear operators, nonlinear equation, particular and general solutions
Students will understand the relationship of differential equations and initial conditions to physical problems in applied areas.
Students will be able to formulate, solve and analyze the results of mathematical models of elementary physical problems.
Students will be able to solve and analyze systems of linear first order differential equations.

Grading Information

Quizzes: 15% Homework: 15% Exam 1: 20% Exam 2: 20% Final Exam: 30%

Resources

The Division of Student Affairs, Center for Educational Resources & Counseling offers a variety of services to the Tulane community, including free individual tutoring services. Please visit their tutoring website for a schedule.

Important dates

MLK holiday	January 19 (Monday)
Mardi Gras break	February 23 - 24 (Monday-Tuesday)
Spring break	March 22 - 29 (Sunday-Sunday)
Easter break	April 10 - 13 (Friday-Monday)
Last day of class	April 28 (Tuesday)
Final presentations	May 1, 8am-noon (Thursday)

EXAM	DATE
Exam 1	Thursday February 5 (tentative)
Exam 2	Thursday March 19 (tentative)
Final Exam	Friday May 1. 8am - noon