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)

Differential Equations (25102) - Spring 2001

TR 9:00-10:20 in CRBL 404



This course will incorporate the use of computer software to illustrate methods of solving differential equations and systems of differential equations. The course will be taught in the "Calculus Reform" spirit, explaining the new concepts numerically, graphically and symbolically. Particular emphasis will be put on modeling of differential equations, the study of systems of differential equations, and the fundamental difference in the behavior of linear and non-linear differential equations.
  • Instructor. Dr. H. Knaust, Bell Hall 219, tel. 747-7002,
    e-mail: helmut@math.utep.edu,

  • Office Hours. MWF 10:30-11:30, or by appointment.

  • Other Help.
    • Visit the S.O.S. Mathematics web site at the URL: http://www.sosmath.com
    • The Tutoring and Learning Center, located on the third floor of the UTEP Library, tel. 747-5366, offers free tutoring.

  • Textbook. Blanchard, Devaney and Hall, Differential Equations. First Edition. Brooks/Cole, 1998. The textbook is required at all class meetings, and the parts covered in class are intended to be read in full.

  • Prerequisites. The instructor 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.

  • Contents. The course will cover the following material:
    • Chapter 1.1-1.8 (4 weeks)
    • Chapter 2.1-2.4 (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)

  • Graphing Calculators. You may use a calculator in class and on exams. Some programs for the TI-85 will be made available in class.
  • Tests. Three tests will be given on the following dates:
    • Thursday, February 8
    • Thursday, March 8
    • Thursday, April 12
    Each test counts 20% of your grade. Make-up tests will only be given under extraordinary circumstances, and only if you notify the instructor prior to the exam date.

  • Homework. The instructor will regularly assign homework. Although the homework will not be collected or graded, it is essential for your success in this class that you diligently work all the homework problems. Homework will include reading assignments.

  • Quizzes. I will give regular, but unannounced quizzes. Quiz problems will be identical to prior homework assignments and/or designed to check on your understanding of the assigned reading material. Your worst two quizzes will be dropped, the others will make up your quiz score, which accounts for 10% of your grade.

  • Final. The final on Wednesday, May 9 at 10:00-12:45 is mandatory and comprehensive. It counts 30% of your grade.
  • Time Requirement. I expect that you spend an absolute minimum of six hours a week outside of class on solving homework problems, reading the textbook and reviewing your class notes.

  • Drop Policy. The class schedule lists Monday, March 12 as the last day to drop with an automatic "W". There will be no more faculty-initiated course drops. After the deadline, the instructor can only drop you from the course with a grade of "F". Consult the current Class Schedule, page 3, for details.

  • Information on the Web. This syllabus and all home work assignments can be found on my homepage http://helmut.knaust.info.

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