This course follows the first two semsters of
calculus,
and is primarily about ordinary
differential equations and their applications. The last
few weeks of the course are a short introduction to the basic partial
differential
equations and Fourier series. In THIS SECTION, we emphasize the basic
theory
of linear equations, we learn to solve equations and 2X2 systems of
equations
with constant coefficients, and we learn the first steps at
understanding
non-linear phenomena (find the equilibrium points and linearize!). We
emphasize
fundamental applications to radioactivity, population dynamics and
graphical
understanding of the behavior of equations. The is an excellent
opportunity
to see how calculus is used, and to solidify practical understanding of
calculus. It also fits in well with a course in linear algebra. If you
take this course first, it will help with linear algebra. If you take
linear
algebra first, part of this course will be easier. A certain number of
topics in this course overlap with physics and engineering courses as
well.
For fun, we look at one example of chaos, and students are given an opportunity to do a project for part of their grade. Neither the project, nor the computer exercises are required, but they are strongly recommended, partly because many students enjoy both. We have had some very interesting projects on everything from ecology through war to traffic. Other topics done partly for entertainment are some population modeling (wolves eating sheep, et.) and a lecture on basic music phenomena (what are overtones?).
Professor Uhlenbeck's office hours are M
2-3, Tu 2-3 ,Fri 3-4**and by
appointment.
You may make an appointment by e-mailing either her uhlen@math.utexas.edu
or
her secretary esile@math.utexas.edu.
Her
office is in RLM on the 9th floor (9.160). She is out-of-town or has
conflicts
from time-to-time, and the times she will not be available are posted
on
her schedule. Handouts for the class
to date are listed. Those in blue are posted on the web. If you miss a
lecture when the handouts are passed out, your TA will have extra
copies
the next session. Practice exams will NOT be posted on the web. You
must
attend a lecture or TA session to obtain one.
News and corrections (for
example,
there was an error on the computer instructions.)
First Day Handout ( basic course
information)
grades
grading policy
Project
information
Lecture Schedule
and Homework Assignments one (through first exam)
Lecture Schedule
and Homework Assignments two (first exam to second exam)
Lecture Schedule
and Homework Asignments three (second exam to third exam)
Lecture Schedule and
Homework Assignments four (third exam to final)
Information on computer
accounts and netmath
Handout One
Class Exercise (1/25)
Computer Assignment 1 (2/3)
Directions for using Netmath to do Computer Assignment
1(2/3)
Practice Problems on (finite
difference equations).
Computer Assignment 2 (assigned
2/28)
Directions and advice on doing Computer Assignment
2
Computer Assignment 3 (to be
assigned)
Computer Assignment 4 (to
be assigned)
Computer Assignment 5 (to
be assigned)
Other Course Information
(from fall l998)
The text is Elementary Differential
Equations
and Boundary Value Problems, by William
Boyce and Ruchard DiPrima
Lectures are TuTh 11:00 in CPE 2.208
Recitations are MW 3-4. You should go to
recitation
Wednesday 1/19. Computer accounts
will be handed out on that day (as well as
later).
You should also be sure to go to lecture on
1/18 and 1/20. Important information about the
course and computers will be discussed.
The exams will all be held in the TA sections. The
first
exam is tentatively scheduled for February 9,
3:00-4:00. The second exam is scheduled for March 8,
3:00-4:00. The third exam is scheduled for
April 12, 3:00-4:00.The final is scheduled for May 12,
9:00-12:00.
Project Due dates: List of team members and topic
(2/24),
Outline (3/24) final project (4/28).
For more inforamtion, see projects.
