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MATH 80:  Intermediate Differential Equations

OVERVIEW
    Math 80: Intermediate Differential Equations provides a mathematicians view of the subject of DEs

    At the end of the course, I hope students will be able to:
      • Describe in broad strokes when solutions to nonlinear DEs exist and are unique.
      • Be able to find a power series solution for DEs (in particular linear DEs) and be able to find a Frobenius series for certain second-order linear DEs, most notably Bessel Functions.
      • Use the Laplace transform to solve linear initial value problems and understand the physical and mathematical interpretations of the delta function and the Heaviside function.
      • Have some familiarity with the most common numerical methods for DEs and have some idea about how to use them.

    Prerequisites: Math 65 or permission of the instructor.


    CLASS TIMES AND LOCATIONS
      Math 80 (Bernoff) will meet MWF 10:00-10:50 AM in the Sprague Learning Studio.


    INSTRUCTOR
      Andrew Bernoff  
      Office: Olin 1260 (Chair's Office - in the Math Departmental Office)

      E-mail:   ajb @ hmc . edu
      Office Hours:  Tu 2:30-3:30 PM, Th 10-11 AM or by appointment (send me an email).
TUTORING

Tutoring will be available upstairs at LAC from the AE program on Sunday from 8-10 PM.


NOTES/ TEXTBOOK
    Notes will be provided for all topics covered.

    A good  OPTIONAL textbook is:

      William E. Boyce & Richard C. DiPrima
      Elementary Differential Equations
      John Wiley & Sons Inc.

HOMEWORK
    Written homework will generally be due on Monday. You are encouraged to discuss the homework with other members of the class, but you will be expected to write up your solutions without any assistance. It is appropriate to acknowledge the assistance of others. I will reserve the right to refuse to accept late homework for any reason. Assignments may be found here.

    Note that some of the homework problems in this course  have been assigned in previous semesters.  Copying work from published solutions (or solutions of past students) is a violation of the HMC Honor Code and will be dealt with accordingly.

    Homework should be formatted in accordance with the Math Department Homework Policy.

EXAMS & GRADING
    There will be two exams. Review sheets listing the topics covered and practice exams from a previous semester will be provided.
    Course grades will be based on the following percentages:
Homework: 30%
Lab Attendance and Class Participation
10%
Exam 1: Take Home available Friday, April 12th
               due Monday, April 15th.
30%
Exam 2: Final Exam on Tuesday, May 14th.
30%
 

DISABILITIES
    Students who need disability-related accommodations are encouraged to discuss this with the instructor as soon as possible.
OFF-CAMPUS STUDENTS

All students (including CGU students) will be graded on the same scale. Note that the median grade for classes at Harvey Mudd College is a B+ (a detailed analysis is here). Typically, the lower quarter of the class may receive grades of C or below. More information about HMC grades may be found here. All students are expected to abide by the HMC Honor Code.

HONOR CODE
    The Harvey Mudd College honor code applies in all matters of conduct concerning this course.


Maintained by Andrew Bernoff 
Math 80, Spring 2013

Last modified: 03-8-13