CRN 21522

Syllabus (under construction)

The simplicity of nature is not to be measured by that of our conceptions.
Infinitely varied in its effects, nature is simple only in its causes,
and its economy consists in producing a great number of phenomena,
often very complicated, by means of a small number of general laws.
Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827)

• Instructor. Helmut Knaust, Bell Hall 219, hknaust@utep.edu

• Office Hours. I will offer daily 30-minute office hour slots on Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Check available times here, then send me an email message to reserve a spot one day in advance. For the laboratory assignments I prefer to talk to the whole team.

• Other Sources of Help.
  • Consult the differential equations section of S.O.S. Mathematics online.
  • Visit the virtual MaRCS Tutoring Center.

• 
  Textbook. Paul Blanchard, Robert L. Devaney, Glen R. Hall. Differential Equations. Brooks/Cole, 4th edition. I will give you reading assignments every week.

• Prerequisites. I will assume that you have a thorough knowledge of the material covered in your Precalculus and your first two Calculus courses. In particular, it is essential that you are comfortable with techniques of integration and the method of partial fractions.

• Course Contents. The course will cover the following material:
  • Chapter 1.1-1.9 (4 weeks)
  • Chapter 2.1-2.6 (2.5 weeks)
  • Chapter 3.1-3.7 (4 weeks)
  • Chapter 5.1-5.2 (1.5 weeks)
  • Chapter 6.1-6.4 incl. selected topics from Chapter 4 (2.5 weeks)

• Course Objectives. During the course you should expect (and I will expect) that you make considerable progress in the following areas:

1. Apply standard techniques to analyze and solve ordinary differential equations: using analytical, numerical and qualitative methods; using the method of the Laplace transform.
2. Be able to model with differential equations and interpret the results of their mathematical analysis.
3. Understand the fundamental difference between linear and non-linear differential equations.

• Homework. I will regularly assign homework. The homework will not be graded. Homework assignments will also include reading assignments.

• Quizzes. There will be unannounced quizzes on a regular basis. Quiz problems will be identical to previously assigned homework problems. The quizzes will contribute 10% to your grade.

• Tests. Exams will be given on the following Tuesdays: September 25, October 23, and November 20. Each exam counts 20% of your grade.

• Make-up Exams. Make-up tests will only be given under extraordinary circumstances, and only if you notify the instructor prior to the exam date. There will be no make-up quizzes. Your worst quiz grade will be dropped.

• Final exam. The final on Tuesday, December 11, 13:00-15:45 is mandatory and comprehensive. It counts 30% of your grade.

• Grades. Your grade will be based on the percentage of the total points that you earn during the semester. You need at least 90% of the points to earn an A, at least 80% for a B, at least 70% for a C, and at least 60 % for a D.

• Calculators. You may use a non-graphing calculator (not a cell phone, etc.) during tests and the final. If you have doubts about whether your calculator qualifies, ask me before the first test.

• Time Requirement. I expect that you spend an absolute minimum of nine hours a week on the projects. Not surprisingly, it has been my experience that there is a strong correlation between class grade and study time.

• Drop Policy. To be fair to your team members, please drop the course only immediately after at a project due date and notify your team and me. The class schedule lists Thursday, April 1, as the last day to drop with an automatic "W". After the deadline, I can only drop you from the course with a grade of "F".

• Academic Integrity. All students must abide by UTEP's academic integrity policies. For detailed information visit the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) website. Academic Integrity is a commitment to fundamental values. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable academic communities to translate ideals into action.” Specifically, these values are defined as follows:
  • Honesty: advances the quest for truth and knowledge by requiring intellectual and personal honesty in learning, teaching, research, and service.
  • Trust: fosters a climate of mutual trust, encourages the free exchange of ideas, and enables all to reach their highest potential.
  • Fairness: establishes clear standards, practices, and procedures and expects fairness in the interaction of students, faculty, and administrators.
  • Respect: recognizes the participatory nature of the learning process and honors and respects a wide range of opinions and ideas.
  • Responsibility: upholds personal responsibility and depends upon action in the face of wrongdoing.

• Military Service. If you are a military student with the potential of being called to military service and/or training during the course of the semester, you are encouraged to contact the instructor as soon as possible.

• Counseling Center. You are encouraged to go to Counseling and Psychological Services (202 Union West) for personal assistance as you work through personal concerns. Confidential counseling services are offered in English or in Spanish.

• Disabilities. If you have a disability and need special accommodation, please contact the Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS). The Center aspires to provide students accommodations and support services to help them pursue their academic, graduation, and career goals. Phone 747-5148. E-mail: cass@utep.edu.