MATHEMATICS 280
Series
and Differential Equations FALL 2002
Instructor: Dr. Sarah N.Ziesler
Office: Lewis 307
Phone no: ext 6838 direct line: (708) 524 6838
email: ziessara@email.dom.edu
Office Hours:
MWF 9.30-10.20
MWF
1.30-2.20
R
9.30-11.20
Lectures MWF 11.30-12.20
Course Objectives:
An ability to solve differential equations is crucial
to an understanding of problems arising in all branches of science, social
science and business. The aim of this course is for the student to acquire the
knowledge and techniques necessary to solve ordinary differential equations,
and also for the student to gain an understanding of the breadth of
applications of differential equations to real-world problems.
One of the tools necessary for the solution of
differential equations is power series and this course begins with a treatment
of sequences and series, with an emphasis on power series and Taylor series.
Another important application of infinite series is in evaluating nonelementary
integrals, as we shall see.
Prerequisites:
Mathematics 230 (Linear Algebra) and Mathematics
270 (Calculus 3)
Textbooks:
Thomas’
Calculus by Finney, Weir and Giordano (10th edition, Addison,
Wesley, Longman)
A First Course in Differential Equations by
Dennis G.Zill (The Classic Fifth Edition, Brooks Cole)
Chapters covered:
Thomas:
Chapter 8
Zill: Chapters 1-6
Major Topics:
1. Infinite
sequences and series, power series, Taylor series
2. First
order ordinary differential equations: separable, homogeneous, exact,
integrating factors. Applications.
3. Higher
order ordinary differential equations: homogeneous, nonhomogeneous, undetermined
coefficients. Applications.
4. Variable
coefficient differential equations: power series solutions
Course Requirements:
There will be a test at the end of each chapter.
You will be given at least 1 week's notice of each test date. The tests will
all have equal value and will together count for 75% of the final grade.
Homework assignments count for 20% with attendance and class participation
counting for the remaining 5%.
Attendance:
I will take attendance at the beginning of each
class. Should you be unable to attend I expect you to call me and explain your
absence. Excessive absence or frequent lateness may affect your grade. More
than 8 absences will result in a course grade of F.
Make-up Examinations:
These will not be given except in extraordinary
circumstances and with prior approval.
To arrange for a make-up you must call me or see
me before
the scheduled examination.
Missed examinations automatically result in a
grade of 0.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned weekly and, unless
otherwise stated, will be due one week from the day that it is assigned. Late
homework will be accepted for credit only if you obtain prior approval. No
homework will be accepted more than 1 class period late.
Grading Scale:
92-100
A
90- 91
A-
88-89
B+
82-87
B
80-81
B-
78-79
C+
72-77
C
70-71
C-
60-69
D
Below 60 F