Course: Math 216.01 - Differential Equations - 3 Credit Hours - Fall 2010
Meeting Time: MW 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Meeting Place: Room 2625

Instructor: Steve Kifowit, Rm 2305, Ph. (708) 709-3954
Email: skifowit 'at' prairiestate.edu
Web: http://prairiestate.edu/skifowit/math
Office Hours: MTWTh 12:30pm-1:30pm, MW 4:30pm-5:00pm, or by appointment

Text: Differential Equations--Theory, Technique, and Practice, 1st Edition; Simmons & Krantz  (There are cost-effective alternatives to purchasing the text in the bookstore.)

Course Description: This is a first course in ordinary differential equations with applications to the physical sciences. Topics covered include recognition, classification, and solution of differential equations, as well as the expression of applied problems in terms of differential equations. This course is designed to prepare students for more advanced study in mathematics, science, and engineering.

Course Prerequisite: Calculus II with a C or better.

Course Goals/Objectives:
1.) Recognize and classify elementary differential equations.
2.) Use the correct techniques to solve elementary differential equations.
3.) Write various applied problems as differential equations.
4.) Pursue more advanced study in mathematics, science, and engineering.

Attendance Policy: Regular class attendance is an essential component of successful learning. Students are responsible for prompt attendance and participation in all class meetings. If you miss class, you will not be allowed to make up any tests, quizzes, or homework assignments that you may have missed. All material covered in class is the student's responsibility.

Grading: Your grade will be based on your performance on three 100-point tests, a 150-point final exam, approximately ten 10-point quizzes, and miscellaneous problems (0-50 points). The grading scale is as follows:

You may estimate your current grade at any time during the semester by computing the following percentage: 100% * ( Total points accumulated ) / ( Total points possible ). Please feel free to discuss your grade with me at any time during the semester.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned on a daily basis. Your work will not normally be collected, but we will often discuss homework problems in class. Keep up to date on your homework! Homework problems often show up on tests, quizzes, and other assignments.

Tests/Exams: Test problems will be similar to class examples, quiz problems, and homework problems. Many of the test problems will be multiple choice, but you should also expect computational problems and writing problems.  Partial credit may be awarded on any type of problem, but only for correct work.  Each test will have a portion on which calculators are not allowed.  You must work individually on all tests. No make-up tests will be given. At the end of the semester, your lowest test score will be replaced by two-thirds of your final exam score (if this helps you).

Quizzes: Be prepared for a ten-point quiz on each Wednesday (unless a test is scheduled). No make-up quizzes will be given. All quiz work is to be done on an individual basis unless otherwise stated. At the end of the semester, your lowest quiz score will be dropped.

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will be worth 150 points toward your final grade.  You will be given two chances to do well on the final exam.  The 1st final exam is scheduled for the week of Nov 29 (and may be in the testing center).  The 2nd final exam date and time will be announced later.

Calculators: The TI-83 Graphing Calculator is required for this course. On various occasions we will be using TI-92's in class.

Computers: There is a great deal of very useful software available for use in this course. There are also many internet sites that provide useful information. We will often use Sage and Maxima; both are free computer algebra systems.  We will also make use of programs written in Lua (also free).  GeoGebra is another very useful, free program that we will often use for geometric visualizations.

Misc. information:
1.) The last day to withdraw from the course is November 12. For refund information, refer to the fall schedule book. If you wish to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to do so. Any student who does not come to class, yet fails to withdraw, will be given an F.
2.) You are expected to spend roughly 9 hours per week on coursework - 3 hours in class and 6 hours out of class. If you cannot make this commitment, you may want to reconsider taking this course.
3.) The grading scale will be strictly adhered to! Final percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole number.