Joseph M. Mahaffy SDSU
Math 537: Ordinary Differential Equations Fall 2019
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Syllabus for Math 537

Joseph Mahaffy
Professor, Mathematical Biology
Lectures: 9:00-9:50 MWF in GMCS 325 Office phone: 619-594-3743

Office Hours: MW 10-11:50 in GMCS 593
and by Appointment

Fax: 619-594-6746
Office location: GMCS 593 E-mail: jmahaffy@sdsu.edu

Topics and References:

This course covers the following topics:

  • Linear Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) (Review)
  • Scaling ODEs
  • Fundamental Solutions (eAt)
  • Power Series - Method of Frobenius
  • Singular Perturbation Methods
  • Multiple Time Scales (?)

Lecture Page will contain notes developed and a list of potential references and hyperlinks to topics studied in this course.

Course Catalog Description: Theory of ordinary differential equations: existence and uniqueness, dependence on initial conditions and parameters, linear systems, stability and asymptotic behavior, plane autonomous systems, series solutions at regular singular points. (This description is out of date/obsolete.)

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course students will be able to:

  1. Solve many linear and nonlinear first and second order differential equations.
  2. Understand some qualitative methods for interpreting differential equations.
  3. Apply methods from differential equations to solve problems from various fields of science.
  4. Perform a geometric analysis to systems of differential equations.
  5. Use MatLab and Maple software to study the dynamics of a variety of applications.
  6. Interpret graphs from dynamical systems.
  7. Apply power series techniques to find the solutions of differential equations
  8. Apply Laplace transforms to solve a class of differential equations.

Course Objectives and Expectations on Students:

This course is a 3 unit course designed for students who are majoring in mathematics and extends studies of applied mathematics in the area of ordinary differential equations. This course is one of the upper division courses for students interested in dynamical systems.

Scope and Purpose of the Course:

The scope and purpose of this course is being developed.

Course Assessment and Grading

Details of the course and timelines are available on the HW Assignment page.

Grading:

  • Homework asignments, including WeBWorK (36%)
  • 2 Midterms (Take-Home and In-class) (32%)
  • Final (32%)
The grade divisions are typically 85-100 is an A73-85 is a B62-73 is a C50-62 is a D, and below 50 is an F with + or - assigned near the boundary (within 3%).

Accommodation Of Disability: Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should notify the professor in writing within the first two weeks of instruction. Students need appropriate forms aproved by SDS (Calpulli Center, Suite 3101). All information will be kept confidential. Students that need evacuation assistance during campus emergencies should also meet with the instructor as soon as possible to assure the health and safety of all students. If you encounter a problem accessing anything in this course, please contact me as soon as possible.


Classroom Behavior And Student Code Of Conduct

  1. It is expected that students will conduct themselves within the standards outlined in the student code of conduct,
    disciplinary procedure and student due process. Disciplinary action will be taken by the instructor as necessary. See more information at the SDSU Student Ethical & Civic Responsibility Code.
  2. Students are expected to come to class in a timely manner, prepared for the day’s work. Full participation for the entire
    class period in activities, class exercises and discussions is required.
  3. Please turn off all cell phones, pagers, etc. You will be released from class with an unexcused absence for making or accepting telephone calls or text messages in the classroom.
  4. It is the student’s responsibility to make up missed material. This includes, but is not limited to, obtaining missed lecture notes from another student (not from the instructor), and finding out about any modifications of schedules or assignments announced during class time.
  5. WeBWorK assignments are posted with a specific due date. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the assignment on time. There will be a maximum of 3 extensions given during the semester (unless written documentation proves the need for more).
  6. Academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the assignment and will be reported to Academic Affairs. It may result in further disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, which includes unauthorized collaboration and plagiarism.
  7. Missed Exams: Students will receive a ZERO for any missed exam, except for written/documented excuses (illness, personal/family crises, etc.).
  8. Even the visual presence of a Cell Phone during an Exam will result in a ZERO for that Exam.
Other Course Policies
  • The instructor will make special arrangements for students with documented learning disabilities and will try to make accommodations for other unforeseen circumstances, e.g., illness, personal/family crises, etc. in a way that is fair to all students enrolled in the class. Please contact the instructor EARLY regarding special circumstances.
  • Students are expected and encouraged to ask questions in class.
  • Students are expected and encouraged to make use of office hours.

 

Planned Topics: Being developed.

 

For questions concerning the webpage contact Joseph Mahaffy.

 

 

Copyright © 2019 Joseph M. Mahaffy.