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Math 20D
Introduction to Differential Equations
Fall 2009 Course Syllabus

Updated 9/27/2009

Course:  Math 20D

Title:  Introduction to Differential Equations

Credit Hours:  4  

Prerequisite:  Math 20C (or Math 21C) with a grade of C- or better

Catalog Description:  Ordinary differential equations: exact, separable, and linear; constant coefficients, undetermined coefficients.  Variations of parameters.  Series solutions.  Systems.  Laplace transforms.   Techniques for engineering sciences.  Computing symbolic and graphical solutions using Matlab.

Textbooks:

Subject Material:  We shall cover parts of Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of Boyce & DiPrima.

Reading:  Reading the sections of the textbook corresponding to the assigned homework exercises is considered part of the homework assignment; you are responsible for material in the assigned reading whether or not it is discussed in the lecture.  It will be expected that you read the assigned material in advance of each lecture.

Calculators:  Calculator use will not be permitted on exams. Graphing calculators (such as the TI-86 or TI-89) may prove useful in checking solutions to some of the homework problems, but they are not required for the course.

Homework:  Homework problems will be assigned on the course homework page, and will be collected at the beginning of discussion sessions. You may work together with your classmates on your homework and/or ask the instructors, the TA's, or tutors in the calculus lab for help on assigned homework problems. However, the work you turn in should be your own. Your homework grade will be based on the best five (6) of seven (8) homework assignments.  No late homework assignments will be accepted. Please adhere to the following neatness guidelines for homework that you turn in to be graded; homework not conforming to these guidelines will not receive full credit and may not be graded at all.

  1. Use clean paper (graphed or lined is okay) that is not torn from a spiral notebook.
  2. Write your name, ID number, and section clearly on the front page of your completed assignment.
  3. Clearly number each solution and present them in numerical order.
  4. Leave at least one line of space between each problem.
  5. Write clearly and legibly.

Midterm Exams:  There will be two midterm exams given during the regular lecture hour on Friday;   see the course calendar for the specific dates.    There will be no makeup exams.    You may bring one 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of notes with you to each midterm exam. No calculators will be allowed during the midterm exams.

Final Examination:  The final examination will be held at the following time.

Note:  You may bring one 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of notes with you to the final examination. No calculators will be allowed during the final examination.

Regrades:  Midterm exams will be returned in the discussion sections. If you wish to have your exam regraded, you must observe the following rules:

Grading: Your course grade will be determined by your cumulative average at the end of the term and will be based on the following scale:

A+

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C+

C

C-

D

97

93

90

87

83

80

77

73

70

60


We may adjust the scale to be more lenient, but we guarantee that the grade corresponding to a given percentage will not be lower than specified by the above scale. Your cumulative average will be the best of the following two weighted averages.

In addition, you must pass the final examination in order to pass the course. Note: Since there are no makeup exams, if you miss an exam for any reason then your course grade will be computed with the final exam counting 60% of your weighted average.

Academic Dishonesty:  Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at UCSD. Students caught cheating will face an administrative sanction which may include suspension or expulsion from the university. It is in your best interest to maintain your integrity.

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