Syllabus

MATH 309 B

Summer 2011


Instructor: Elliot Paquette

Office: Padelford C-8K

e-mail address: paquette@math.washington.edu

Website: www.math.washington.edu/~paque

Office hours: Mondays 1:30-3:30, or by appointment

Textbook: Differential Equations with BVP (Math 309): Chapters 7, 8, 10, by Boyce and DiPrima, 9th Edition

Available at the U Bookstore

Class: MWF, 12:00-1:00 in Smith 309


Structure: I plan on covering Chapters 7 and 10 in detail, and also a bit of Chapter 9. Chapter 7 is about solving systems of differential equations. Linear algebra (Math 308) will be used extensively in this chapter. Chapter 9 looks at some of the qualitative and geometric aspects of solutions to differential equations. Chapter 10 focuses on boundary value problems, partial differential equations, Fourier series, and some applications to heat and wave equations.


Math 309 is the culmination of the 307-308 sequence. This course pulls together concepts from both Math 307 and Math 308 and is part of a larger field of study known as linear analysis. This material is used in almost all of the sciences and in different kinds of engineering.


The homework problems are more involved and time-consuming then previous math classes. Although there will be theory, the emphasis is not on proofs, but rather the techniques of problem solving.


Grading

  • Homework (30% of overall grade)

  • There will be 7 weekly homework assignments due on Wednesdays IN CLASS. A complete schedule is available on the course website. Be advised that this schedule is tentative and subject to change. NO LATE homework will be accepted, but your lowest homework grade will be dropped.


  • Exams (70% of overall grade)

You will be allowed one double-sided 8.5 x 11 in. sheet of notes for both the midterm and final. Calculators will NOT be permitted on the exams.

  • Midterm (30% of overall grade): Monday, July 18, in class

It will cover material from Chapter 7.

  • Final (40% of overall grade): Friday, August 19, in class

The final will be cumulative with an emphasis on the last half of the class.


General Comments:

  • Guidelines on how to write up homework:

You must show all of your work to get credit. Explain your steps or methods clearly. Make sure that your homework is legible. If the grader cannot read it or cannot understand your steps, no credit will be awarded. This requires you to be organized and clear in your writing. If you are having trouble understanding the material or homework, please come to see me as soon as possible.


  • Late Homework and make-up exams:

Homework is due in class on WEDNESDAYS. No late homework will be accepted. Exams can only be made up because of illness or other serious reasons. If these situations arise, I will need written documentation explaining the situation. Please let me know as soon as possible if you cannot take an exam on the scheduled date.


Tips on Succeeding in this class

  • Read the section we will be covering ahead of time. In lecture, I will follow the book closely, but will assume you have already read the material.

  • Keep your Math 308 book handy. Chapter 7 will extensively use concepts from linear algebra. We will do a quick review in class, but you may need to review some more on your own.

  • Do the homework. I will generally create my exams from similar problems on the homework. Even if you understand the material, it is hard to reproduce this on a test without practice.

  • Come to office hours or make an appointment with me if you are having trouble. We will go through the material fairly quickly and most of it builds off of each other, so if you are having any difficulty let me know right away.