Textbook: Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 8th Ed. by Boyce and DiPrima
This will be supplemented with in class notes and handouts.
 Click here for homwework assignments
Click here for the first computer assignment and command help
Click here for the second computer assignment
Click here for the link to the Webwork website for this class (your id is similar to your Brockport email e.g. hsko0612 or in the current system hskog1 and your initial password is your student id number)

Tentative schedule:

Course Description: This course focuses on solving differential equations and understanding the solutions. We will focus on first order and second order equations, then we will generalize this to higher order equations. We will investigate both exact and numerical solutions to such equations and use computers to investigate the numerical solutions and explore the capabilities of the software packages that are available. This class will focus primarily on the methods of solution though we will discuss the underlying theory as appropriate.

Prerequisites: It is assumed that all students in this class have taken the calculus sequence classes including Calculus III (or equivalent classes). If you have not taken these classes you may take this class at your own risk. It will be assumed that all students are very familiar with both derivatives and integrals (single and multivariable). In particular, students must be confortable with derivatives and integrals involving polynomials, rational functions, trigonometric functions, logarithms and exponentials (and hyperbolic trigonometric functions to some extent). Students should be able to easily use the product rule, chain rule, and quotient rule for derivatives as well as substitution, integration by parts, and trigonometric substitutions for integrals. If any of these topics are difficult or unfamiliar to you please see me as soon as possible. Simply put, you cannot solve differential equations unless you are very comfortable with derivatives and integrals.

Attendance Policy: I follow the official College attendance policy. In particular if your unexcused absences exceed 15% of the classes (that is 4 classes), you are subject to a failing grade, regardless of your scores on exams, homework, and quizzes. Each unexcused absence above two will result in your grade being lowered one step. To avoid an unexcused absence you must contact me in person, by phone, or by email prior to the missed class. In addition, you are responsible for obtaining the notes, and any announcements made during the missed class.

Grading: Your grade will be composed of 15% homework and quizzes, 5% projects, 25% for each of two midterms, and 30% for the final exam.
    Homework and quizzes: Each week there will be a homework to be turned in and a quiz. The quizzes will be online using WebWorks. You will be able to attempt them from the beginning of a given week until the end. You will be able to attempt these quizzes numerous times but all attempts must be made before the deadline of the given week. You may work on the homework together however everyone must turn in their own homeworks. This means you may not copy a solution from someone else but you may discuss the solutions together. Homeworks must be relatively neat and should include all of your work.You may not work with each other on the quizzes. Any incident of academic dishonesty will be dealt with severely as discussed in Your Right to Know & Academic Policies Handbook, 2007-2008. It is recommended that you form small study groups to review notes, discuss problems, and study for exams.
    Project: Ther will be two computer projects for students after each of the exams. You will be given a number of problems to do using any computer algebra system you wish (e.g. Mathematica, Maple, Matlab).
    Exams: There will be two 90 minute exams during class time as well as a final exam. The exams will be on Thur. Sept. 20 and on Thur.. Oct. 25. The final exam will be Tues. Dec. 11 from 1:30-3:30pm and will be cumulative but will focus on the later material. There will be no make-up exams. In the event class is canceled on one of the exam days, the exam will be given during the next class.
    Reading assignments: Reading assignments will be given each class to prepare for the next lecture. It is expected that you will read the sections and know the definitions, theorems, and at least a rough idea of the material. I do not assume you will completely understand the material before class, however it is important that you get an idea of what will be presented.

Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is a major violation of College policy and it is not tolerated. It can result in a range of disciplinary actions including failure of the course, suspension, and dismissal from the College. A written report of the the incident is filed in the student's permanent file.

Students with Special Needs:  Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to specific accommodations. SUNY Brockport's Office  for Student with Disabilities makes this determination.   Please contact the  Office for Students with  Disabilities at (585)395-5409 or  osdoffic@brockport.edu to inquire about obtaining an official letter to the course instructor detailing any approved accommodations.  The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter.  Faculty work as a team with the Office for Students with Disabilities to meet the needs of students  with disabilities.

Drops and withdrawals: The last day to add classes is Sept. 4, late adds Sept. 14, the last day to drop a course is Sept. 25, the last day to withdraw from a course is Nov. 2 without permission and Nov. 30 with permission (though it is very difficult to get permission)..

Course Web site: There will be a course web site (found at www.acs.brockport.edu/~hskogman) which will contain homework assignments (which will also be announced in class) and any other announcements or handouts (as well as this syllabus).