MATH 266 - INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Spring 2024, 3 credits

Doğan Çömez
Office: Minard 408 E24
Email: Dogan.Comez@ndsu.edu
Text: Elementary Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems, by W. F. Trench (Free online textbook)
Lecture Hours: MWF 2-2:50 pm, Minard Hall 220 
Office Hours:  MWF 4-5:00 pm (or by appointment)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Course Description: Solution of ordinary differential equations by elementary techniques, Laplace transforms methods, systems of differential equations, solutions with matrix methods, applications.

Course Objectives: Differential equations is the branch of mathematics which provides the tools and methods essential for analyzing and solving complex problems in mathematics, engineering, and the natural/social sciences. The purpose of this course is to help students learn these tools and methods in a rigorous manner; develop mathematical skills needed to apply these to the problems arising within their field of study; gain increased understanding of how the concepts they learned in the previous mathematics courses apply to various real-world problems.

Lecture and Assessment Format: The lecture/discussion format of this course, which precludes extensive interaction with individuals during lectures, makes active participation in-class discussions and group work very valuable. It is well-known that working together cooperatively enhances learning and retention. Students are encouraged to form study-groups on their own and work together on the material covered in class, discussing problems assigned, and preparing for the tests during the semester. However, any submitted work (assignment/test) should be an individual work and be written independently; any evidence of collaboration in a submitted work or test will result in poor grade or failure.

· All course-related information will be communicated primarily during class. Reminders, notification of any schedule or assignment changes will be communicated through NDSU email and posted on course Blackboard site relevant section(s). Student NDSU email address is the official route for information.

· At the end of each lecture (except first and last day of classes, and lectures prior to tests) students will be assigned exercises. These assignments are due next day by noon and to be submitted on the course Blackboard site relevant section.

Grading: Grades in the course will reflect students' demonstrated attainment of the course objectives and will be based on students’ performance on assigned exercises, quizzes, term tests and the final exam.

· Approximately 25 exercises will be assigned (2 points each); 20 best will be counted towards the final grade.

· There will be 11 weekly quizzes (4 points each); 10 best will count towards the final grade. Typically, these quizzes will be given on Fridays, except the first and the last weeks of the semester, and during the exam weeks; however, due to unforeseen circumstances they may be given at other times. Students should plan accordingly.

· There will be three 50-minute term tests (100 points each). These tests will be on February 9, March 15, and April 12, 2024. Any conflicts must be resolved with Dr. Çömez well in advance of these dates.

· The final exam (120 points) will be on May 6, 2024, at 8 am.

Grades will not be curved. As a guideline, points in the range 451-500 are A, 401-450 are B, 351-400 are C, 300-350 are D, and below 300 is unsatisfactory.

Expectations: The instructor will teach the material in the best of his ability; however, students should assume full responsibility in their learning. This is a mathematics course; hence, it is expected that students know well how to provide mathematically rigorous arguments (i.e., proofs and justifications) and solutions. Failure to do so will earn poor grades. Lecture attendance is strongly encouraged and active participation in lecture discussions is essential for success. Make-up tests will only be given in the most exceptional circumstances (such as medical emergencies) and require prior approval of the instructor (unless impossible, in which case written excuses may be required). No make-ups for missed quizzes and assignments. Students who are not regularly attending lectures cannot expect special consideration in relation to their grades. Except for the purpose of notetaking, use of electronic equipment (including cell phones) will not be allowed during lectures. Calculators will not be allowed during tests and quizzes.

Important Notice:

1. Students who miss more than 20% of classes or more than 20% of exercises prior to the “Last day for no-record Drop of classes” may be administratively dropped from the course at the discretion of the instructor.

2. Students should not come to class if they experience COVID-like symptoms. If a student is infected with COVID-19, or is in a contact of an infected person, he/she should immediately inform the course instructor via an official means of communication, and isolate/quarantine at home (see CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html ). Consistent with NDSU policies and procedures (including, but not limited to NDSU Policy 331.1: Course Syllabus, NDSU Policy 606: Guidelines for Student Requests for Reasonable Accommodation), faculty will offer the student a reasonable accommodation to maintain instructional continuity.

Academic Responsibility and Conduct: All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU Policy, Section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct. This policy applies to cases in which cheating, plagiarism, or other academic misconduct have occurred in an instructional context. Students found guilty of academic misconduct are subject to penalties, such as failure of the course, up to and possibly including suspension and/or expulsion. Student academic misconduct records are maintained by the Office of Registration and Records.

Special needs: Any students with disabilities or other special needs, who need special accommodations in the course, are invited to share these concerns or requests with Dr. Çömez as soon as possible.

Veterans: Veterans and student soldiers with special circumstances or who are activated are encouraged to notify Dr. Çömez in advance.

Preliminary material to review.

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE
Week 1.    Section 2.1
Week 2.    Sections 2.2 - 2.4
Week 3.    Sections 2.5 - 2.6
Week 4.    Sections 3.1 - 3.3
Week 5.    Sections 4.1, 4.2
Week 6.    Sections 5.1 – 5.2
Week 7.    Sections 5.3 – 5.4
Week 8.    Sections 5.5 – 5.7
Week 9.    Sections 6.1 - 6.3
Week 10.  Sections 8.1, 8.2
Week 11.  Section 8.3 – 8.5
Week 12.  Section 8.7 - 8.8
Week 13.  Sections 9.1 - 9.4
Week 14.  Sections 10.1 - 10.3
Week 15.  Sections 10.4 - 10.7
Week 16.  Final Examination (Monday, May 6, 2024, 8-10 am)