MATH 326: Schedule

The purpose of this page is to give you a tentative schedule of topics covered.

  • The schedule may change and is meant to be used as a rough guide of topics to be covered.
  • Your homework grade will be based on the Webwork Assignments, not the textbook exercises.
  • Reading the textbook is strongly recommended. It is in your best interest to read the sections listed below. If you can read them before I lecture on the topic, you'll be better off. But at the very least, read them after I lecture on them. Your chances of getting a good grade in this course are dramatically higher if you read the textbook in addition to attending lectures.
Week Lecture Topics Reading Assignment
1
 Course Introduction
1.1: Differential Equations and Models
1.2: Integrals as Solutions

Review Derivatives and
Integration Techniques

Read Sections 1.1-1.2
2
 1.3: Direction Fields
Qualitative Methods		 Read Sections 1.3-1.4
3
 1.4: Separable Equations
1.8: Linear Motion Models
1.5: Linear First-Order Differential Equations
First-Order Variation of Parameters		 Read Sections 1.5, 1.8
4
 1.5: Mixing Problems
1.7: Population Models
2.1: Second-Order Linear Equations		 Read Sections 1.7, 2.1
5
 2.2: Solutions to Linear Equations
2.3: Homogeneous Equations with Constant Coefficients		 Read Sections 2.2, 2.3
6
 2.5: Inhomogeneous Equations and Undetermined Coefficients Read Sections 2.5
Exam 1 is on Friday, February 24: The exam will cover Sections 1.1-1.5, 1.7-1.8, and 2.1-2.3 of the textbook. It will be similar to the homework. To practice for the exam, review the WeBWorK problems and know all of the definitions and useful theorems. We will have a review in class on Wednesday. Read Chapter 1-2
7
 2.5: Second-Order Variation of Parameters
2.4: Mechanical Vibration		 Read Sections 2.4-2.5
8
 4.1: Laplace Transforms and Inverse Transforms
4.2: Transforms of Initial Value Problems		 Read Sections 4.1-4.2
Break
Spring Break: No classes, March 12-16.
Have a great and safe break!
STUDY ALL WEEK...
...Yeah right!
9
 4.3: Translation and Partial Fractions
4.4: Derivatives and Integrals of Transforms
4.5: Piecewise Continuous Forcing Terms		 Read Sections 4.3-4.5
10
 4.5: Piecewise Continuous Forcing Terms Read Sections 5.1
Exam 2 is on Friday, March 30: The exam will cover Sections 2.4-2.5, and 4.1-4.5 of the textbook. It will be similar to the homework. To practice for the exam, review the WeBWorK problems and know all of the definitions and useful theorems. Here is the Laplace Transform Formula Page. We will have a review in class on Wednesday. Read Chapter 2 and 4
11
 5.1: First-Order Systems
5.3: Matrices and Linear Systems
5.4: Eigenvalue Methods		 Read Sections 5.3-5.4
12-15
 Over the last few weeks, we will be covering the rest of Chapter 5, but we will blend the last few sections together.
5.5: Second-Order Systems
5.6: Multiple Eigensolutions
5.7: Matrix Exponentials		 Read Sections 5.5-5.7
SOFI's
Student Opinion of Faculty Instruction
Please take the time to complete the SOFI for this course.
Log into KnightWeb to complete your SOFIs
Surveys must be completed by
Tuesday, May 1
Final
Exam
*** Final Exam ***
SECTION 1: Tuesday, May 8, 8:00-11:00 am, in class (Sturges 208A)

The Final Exam will be cumulative but will be heavily weighted on the material from Chapter 5. The only material from the midterm exams will be solving separable equations, linear first-order equations, and higher-order homogeneous and inhomogeneous equations. The majority of The exam will be based on material that we learned after the second midterm exam. It will be similar to the homework. To practice for the exam, review the WeBWorK problems and know all of the definitions and useful theorems.
Read Chapter 5