MAT 305 - Calculus IV, Spring 2003

Monday, Wednesday 5:30-6:50 p.m. in Grad Chem 126

SPECIAL NOTICE : Midterm 1 postponed until Monday 24th February
                                          Review Class on Wednesday 19th February

Instructor: Justin Sawon
                    sawon@math.sunysb.edu
                    Office: Math Tower 4-104
                    phone: +1-631-632 8267

Office Hours: Wednesday 1:30-2:30 p.m. in MLC (Note: MLC is now in the basement of the Math Tower, S-240A),
                          Wednesday and Friday 9:20-10:20 a.m. in Math Tower 4-104

Recitation: Thursday 5:30-6:25 p.m. in Grad Chem 128
T.A.:  Renaud Gauthier, gauthier@grad.physics.sunysb.edu
Office Hours: N/A

Textbook: Boyce, DiPrima : Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Wiley, 7th Edition
Boyce, DiPrima : Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Wiley, 7th Edition

What is this course about?
Observables in natural and physical sciences are subject to change. The rate of change (with respect to time/location/etc.) may depend on many parameters, quite often including the observable itself. In a mathematical model, this leads to differential equations. We will study different kinds of differential equations and the methods used to solve them. We will cover : first order equations, second order linear equations (both homogeneous and non-homogeneous), power series solutions, systems of first order linear equations, some basic partial differential equations and methods used to solve them including Fourier series. (This will roughly be Chapters 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 of Boyce and DiPrima.) A tentative syllabus will be updated according to the progress of the class.

Prerequisites: This is an upper division's course. Knowledge of basic calculus (Fundamental Theorem, Separable Differential Equations) is expected, knowledge of material from MAT 203/205 is beneficial, especially for the last part of the course on partial differential equations.

Grading Policy: Your grade will be determined by your scores on

  • Midterm 1 :      20%
  • Midterm 2 :      20%
  • Final :               40%
  • Recitations :    20%
    • Homework: Homework problems will be assigned weekly (see syllabus). They are due the next week in recitation. One problem will be graded each week. You get 5 points if you (reasonably) attempt to solve at least 50% of the problems and 5 points if you solve the graded problem correctly. You are expected to participate in recitations. The T.A. will assign a recitation grade at the end of the course based on your graded homework problems and your performance in recitations classes.

    Exam Schedule:

    Midterm 1 : Monday, February 24th, 5:30-6:50 p.m. in Grad Chem 126
    Midterm 2 : Wednesday, April 2nd, 5:30-6:50 p.m. in Grad Chem 126
    Final Exam : Monday, May 19th, 5-7:30 p.m. in Grad Chem 126


    Students with Disabilities: If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, you are strongly urged to contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services (DSS) office: Room 133 in the Humanities Building; 632-6748v/TDD. The DSS office will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. A written DSS recommendation should be brought to your lecturer who will make a decision on what special arrangements will be made. All information and documentation of disability is confidential. Arrangements should be made early in the semester (before the first exam) so that your needs can be accommodated.

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    This page last modified by Justin Sawon
    Monday, 17-Feb-2003 21:41:05 MST
    Email corrections and comments to sawon@math.sunysb.edu