Math 3260   DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS  Fall 2004
Instructor Andrey Shilnikov, Dr.
Office   724 COE building (map)
Phone   (404) 651-0655
e-mail    ashilnikov at mathstat.gsu.edu
web      http://www.mathstat.gsu.edu/~matals

ClassRoom   GCB 615
Days & Time  MW 13:30 - 14:45
Office hours  MW 12:30-13:00 and 15-15:30, and by appointment
Computer #  81492
Prerequisite  Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 2215.
Description: First-order equations, linear differential equations with special emphasis on constant coefficient and Euler equations, systems of equations, applications.
Textbook: A first course in Differential equations with modeling applications, 7th ed. by D. Zill, ISNB 0534379990 *Interactive diffirential equations* are here

Outline of Content (tentative)	Sects.
Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations;	1.1-1.3
1st order Odes;	2.1-2.5
Modeling with 1st order Odes	3.2-3.3
Higher-order Odes	4.1-4.7
Modeling with higher-order  Odes	5.1-5.2
Systems of linear firts order Odes	8.1-8.2
Numerical Methods	2.6, 9.1-9.3

Tests and Grading Grades will be determined on the basis of 4 tests (each 100 points) and homeworks (100 points). The lowest test grade will be dropped. The final  grade will be awarded as  follows:  90%-100% =A;  80%-90% = B;  70%-80% = C; 60%-70% = D;   I will  then go over each person's work individually and  modify  the tentative  grades  slightly,  taking into account factors that are hard  to quantify such as improvement, an outstanding  final exam, etc.  There is no preordained median for this course. It could be  higher or lower in any given year,  depending on how the class does. However, I would not hesitate to give 90% of the class an A if they earned it.

Exam dates (subject to change)
Tests I, II and III       September 13, October 13 and November 10
Final Examination      December 15 @ 12:30 or will be rescheduled earlier
Sep. 6 and Nov. 23-27 no classes.
Please check the test dates in your other courses and let me know as soon as possible if there are conflicts.  The usual  solution in such cases is to give the exam early or  late on the scheduled day.  NOTE October 15 is the last day to withdraw from the class without receiving an automatic “WF”.  Conditions under which an incomplete  “I” is given  can be found in the 2004 General Catalog. You will not be able to use your notebook or textbook on all tests. No calculators. An answer alone will not suffice the credit. You must explain how you arrived at your answer

"Note: During the first two weeks of the semester the Department of Mathematics and Statistics checks the computer records to determine whether or not each student has met the prerequisites for this course. If you do not have the prerequisites, please inform your instructor and change to another course right away. If our computer search finds that
you do not have the prerequisite, you must drop this course or you will be dropped automatically. Furthermore, you will be administratively dropped if you miss more than 3 classes."

Important!!! The following policy on Administrative drops was adopted on the December 2003 Senate md exam  may be made up only in the event of a  verifiable, unavoidable  absence (e.q.,  a doctor’s note is necessary if illness is an excuse).   Failure to  take the final exam will result in a grade of  “F” for the course

Homework assignments are here.

Homework The homework is the most important part of the course. No matter how well you think you understand the material presented in class, you won't really learn it until you do the problems. Late homework will not be accepted except in very unusual circumstances. We will, however, drop the lowest homework and quiz grade. You are free to devise whatever strategy for learning the material suits you best. This may involve collaboration with other students. We believe, however, that most people will get the maximum benefit from the homework if they try hard to do all the problems themselves before consulting others. In any case, whatever you turn in should represent your own solution, expressed in your own words, even if this solution was arrived at with help from someone else. Remember, you are doing the homework in order to learn the material; don't try to defeat the purpose of it. Do not get behind your work. As a guide, consider spending 2 hours of your time studying for each hour of class time. On a  test you must be able to work the problems within the period of time allowed. Therefore, it is recommended, as part of your  preparation for each test , that you select 8 to 10 problems and try to work them within a period of one hour. The tests ill consist of 6-8 problems usually selected from similar problems assigned as homework. Success in the course is highly correlated with regular attendance and punctual completion of homework.

Cheating/Plagiarism All work submitted for grading must be your own. A first occurrence of cheating/plagiarism will result in a grade of  “O” for all concerned parties, as well as a form indicating academic dishonesty will be filed with the Dean of Students.