Math 55 --- Differential Equations
Instructor: David Arnold
What Is Differential Equations?
The Math 55 course at College of the Redwoods is an intoductory course
in differential equations. Its primary emphasis is finding the solutions
of equations involving derivatives of functions. Along the way students
will study
-
First order differential equations (all derivatives are first derivatives)
-
Second order differential equations
- Applications and Models
-
First order systems (systems of equations involving only first derivatives)
-
Linear systems
-
Nonlinear systems
Course Outline
You can view the official course outline at:
http://msenux.redwoods.edu/mathdept/outlines/current/math55.php
What Are The Prerequisites?
Students need to complete two courses in calculus -- differentiation and
integration -- before enrolling in differential equations. It is helpful
(but not required) if you have completed courses in linear algebra and
multivariable calculus. Linear algebra and multivariable concepts are developed
in the differential equations course as needed, so students should not
feel that they are at a disadvantage if they have not completed courses
in multivariable calculus and linear algebra. In fact, many students in
other disciplines (e.g. biology) perform very well in differential equations
courses after completing only the required calculus courses (differentiation
and integration).
Who Takes Differential Equations?
Students in mathematics, science, and engineering usually complete the
following core mathematics courses in their freshman and sophomore years.
|
First Semester |
Second Semester |
| Freshman Year |
Calculus I |
Calculus II |
| Sophomore Year |
Calculus III |
Differential Equations |
Students in math, science, and engineering are also expected to take
an introductory linear algebra course during one of these first four
semesters. An introductory course in programming is also required.
However, anyone who wants to do mathematical modeling (fit mathematical
equations to real world situations such as population studies and harvesting
of renewable resources) will find differential equations extremely useful
in their studies. Biology, in particular, is involving their students in
the study of differential equations at a rapidly increasing level. It is
becoming increasingly difficult to read papers published by experts in
various fields without a fundamental knowledge of differential equations
and linear algebra.
Computing Resources
Differential equations is taught in our phsyics laboratory where each student
will have access to a computer during class for discovery and demonstration.
Similar computers are available in another computer laboratory in the physical
science building so that students can complete assignments and discovery
at their own pace. Site licenses from the Mathworks allow the instructor
to give the Matlab software to each student in the class to use
at home on their computers for the duration of the course. The Scientific
Notebook is also available for student use.
Syllabus
You can read a copy of the syllabus online
Homework
You can view the homework assignments online.
Sample Examinations
You can view examinations given in past differential
classes at the College.
Sample Activities
You can read some of the sample activities that
were used in past classes.
Student Papers
You can read some papers that the students
wrote as their first asignment.
Student Projects
You may read Student Projects that the
students wrote.