SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE

ASSOCIATE DEGREE CREDIT COURSE OUTLINE

 

 

Department:  Mathematics

Subject Area and Course Number:  Mathematics 220

Course Title: Differential Equations

Discipline:  Mathematics

Units:  4

Repeatability:  None

Catalog Course Description:  Introductory course in the theory and applications of ordinary and partial differential equations. Topics include constant coefficient equations, series techniques, introduction to Laplace Transforms, qualitative and quantitative solutions to linear and nonlinear systems of differential equations, and separable partial differential equations.

Description for Schedule of Classes: Ordinary and partial differential equations, with applications, series techniques, Laplace Transforms, qualitative and quantitative solutions to linear and nonlinear systems of differential equations.

Lecture Hours per Week:  4.3             (64-72 Total Semester Hours)

Laboratory Hours per Week:  None

Plus Hours:  None

Prerequisites:  Math 200, with a grade of "C" or better.

Co-requisites: None

Skills Advisories:  None

Course Advisories:  None

Limitation on Enrollment:  None

Course Objectives:  By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

1.             Solve linear, exact, and separable ordinary and separable partial differential equations.

2.             Write differential equations to represent some types of natural phenomena.

3.             Use transform techniques in problems involving discontinuous and impulsive forcing functions.

4.             Apply matrix techniques to solve systems of linear differential equations.

5.             Solve differential equations using series techniques.

6.             Analyze critical points and stability for systems of equations.

 

Course Content and Scope 

1.            First Order Differential Equations

                a.            Existence and Uniqueness Theorems

                b.            Solution of linear equations

                c.            Separable Equations

                d.            Exact Equations

                e.            Applications

2.            Second Order Linear Equations

                a.            Homogeneous equations

                b.            Linear independence of solutions (Wronskian)

                c.            Nonhomogeneous equations

                d.            Applications

3.            Series Solutions–Variable coefficients

                a.            Ordinary points

                b.            Regular singular points

4.            Laplace transforms

                a.            Initial value problems

                b.            Step functions

                c.            Impulse functions

                d.            Convolutions

5.            Systems of first order linear equations

a.            Eigenvalue–Eigenvector method for solving homogeneous systems with constant coefficients

b.            Fundamental matrices and matrix exponential

c.            Nonhomogeneous systems

6.            Partial Differential Equations

a.            Fourier Series

b.            Separable equations

c.            The heat equation

d.            The wave equation

e.            Laplace's equation

7.            Numerical Methods

a.            Euler's Method

b.            Runge-Kutta Method

8.            Nonlinear Differential Equations and Systems

a.            Stability and the Phase Plane

b.            Linear and almost linear systems

 

Methods of Instruction:  A combination of lecture and computer explorations will be used in the course. Students will be exposed to software and graphical approaches to the subject as well as to material from texts.

 

Required Assignments

1.         Appropriate Readings:  Students are required to read assigned chapters in texts.

2.         Writing Assignments:  Students must work assigned mathematical problems requiring the understanding of abstract ideas.

3.         Appropriate Outside Assignments:  Students will be expected to spend a sufficient amount of time outside of class to practice techniques taught during class time, read assigned materials, and complete frequent homework and computer assignments.

4.         Appropriate Assignments that Demonstrate Critical Thinking:  Students must demonstrate mathematical skills which involve analyzing information, recognizing concepts in new contexts, and drawing analogies. They must also analyze logical arguments for validity and write proofs of their own using both inductive and deductive reasoning within a logical system. Students will also learn to use software tools in solving differential equations.

 

Methods of Evaluation:  A student's grade will be based on multiple measures of performance in the solving of problems, designing of mathematical models, preparation and analysis of graphs, and analysis of logical arguments.  Such measures will include at least four one-hour exams and a comprehensive final examination requiring demonstrations of problem solving skills.  In addition, instructors may make use of quizzes, written homework assignments, computer assignments, or other appropriate means to judge a student's dexterity with mathematical skills and familiarity with mathematical vocabulary and methods of proof.

 

Appropriate Texts and Supplies

Zill and Cullen, Differential Equations with Boundary-Value Problems, 7th Ed., Cengage Publishing, 2009

Maple, Mathematica, Matlab, or equivalent computer algebra system

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

1.                  Apply Differential Equations to problems in the sciences.

2.                  Solve various linear and nonlinear ODEÕs analytically or numerically.

3.                  Determine the qualitative behavior of an autonomous nonlinear system by means of an analysis of behavior near critical points.

4.                  Use Laplace transforms to solve second order linear ODEÕs with discontinuous forcing functions or impulse functions.

5.                  Compute Fourier coefficients, and find periodic solutions of linear ODE's and PDE's by means of Fourier series and separation of variables.

 

 

JK/mej

Rev 9/24/07; 8/24/09

FRC (WPC)