Prerequisites: Integral Calculus (MATH 2210 or 2260 or 2310H or 2410H) at UGA or their Equivalents

Syllabus and Objectives of the Course: The theory of Differential Equations is a continuation of Calculus of One Variable. The objective of this course is to study the elementary theory of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and its application. Although computers are extremely useful for investigating differential equations and their solutions, this course will keep the level of computer involvement to a minimum. We will emphasize the methods of solving differential equations explicitly. Applications will include modelling physical and biological processes with differential equations. We will cover Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6 (omitting few optional sections).

This course is intended to serve as a forum to facilitate your active learning of the material. You are responsible for understanding the material and keeping up with the course, not just showing up for the class. You are expected to be able to demonstrate your understanding of the material by solving the problems similar to those covered in class, not just repeating things exactly like the ones shown in class.

Homework and Exams: There will be midterm tests and a final exam. Doing homework is the most important component of the course. You are expected to do the homework on your own everyday. It is impossible to learn this course (or any other Math courses) well without doing a lot of problems. Problems on the exams will be similar to (sometimes exactly the same as!) problems in homework assignments. Experience shows that students who do not take homework seriously do poorly on the exams and most of them fail. Exams are closed book/notes. There will be no make-up exams and late homework will not be accepted.
Remember: No one becomes a good swimmer by just watching others swim; likewise, no one learns mathematics well by just going to lectures.

Important Dates From UGA Calendar

Class Attendance and Participation are very important in this class, though I will not take attendance regularly. In order to protect class from distraction, coming-later-for and leaving-early-from classes are discouraged. Please let me know in advance if you must come late or leave early. You are responsible for all information and announcements given in class, even if your absence is excused. This implies that you should not be surprised if you have missed classes and show up for a test originally scheduled, but find it has been given or otherwise rescheduled. 

Collaboration and Academic Honesty: You are strongly encouraged to form study groups to work on your homework and discuss the material for the course. However, you must do independent work on exams. In particular, I absolutely am forbidden to help you on exams. Above all, UGA Academic Honesty Policy applies. Excerpts from the UGA Academic Honesty Policy: "Every student has an obligation to be informed concerning the terms of this policy. Accordingly, lack of knowledge of the provisions of this policy is not an  acceptable defense to a charge of violating this policy."

Grading Policy (Partly based on class participation): Homework 25%; Midterms 40%; Final Exam 35%. The raw points in each of these will be converted to reflect the percentages. You need to show steps for solutions of problems. No credit will be given to a straight answer to a problem without explanation, unless it is a yes-or-no type problem. You are expected to write your problem solutions in such a way that they are understandable by your fellow classmates.
Letter grades are normally given as follows (numbers are in percentages): A = 90 to 100; A- = 88 to 90-; B+ = 85 to 88-; B = 80 to 85-; B- = 78 to 80-; C+ = 75 to 78-; C = 70 to 75-; C- = 65 to 70-; D = 55 to 65-; F = 0 to 55-.

Tutoring information can be found at: http://www.math.uga.edu/undergraduate/student_services.html, including free tutoring and other services. 

If your circumstance requires special arrangement, please let me know. I will be glad to accomodate.

Disclaimer: This syllabus provides a general guide for the course. Deviation may be necessary  (also see Class Attendance and Participation above).