EMAIL & WWW : cgole@math.smith.edu & www.math.smith.edu/~cgole

ABOUT THE CLASS: The material and approach in this class are natural continuations of those of Calculus classes at Smith. In our study of Ordinary Differential Equations (O.D.E.'s) we will try to strike a balance between traditional analytical techniques (computations based on Calculus and Linear Algebra), numerical methods (e.g. Euler's method), modelling and visualization (using e.g. Slinky or Mathematica). The topics covered are: 1^st order ODE's and systems, linear systems and 2^nd order ODE's, nonlinear systems and Laplace transforms. Click here for a tentative class schedule.

PREREQUISITE: MTH 211 and 212.

GROUP WORK: You will be encouraged to form groups in this class, and to work on your homework in group.

HOMEWORK: The homework will be posted on my web page each week. It will be due on fridays. You will be asked to bring preliminary drafts on wednesdays that you will discuss in your group and with the class. You will also be asked to read the relevant sections of the book before coming to class.

EXAMS & LABS: There will be 2 in class midterms and 3 take home labs . The midterm will be individual work, the labs group work. The final will be an individual take home.

ATTENDANCE: Attendance to all the classes is very important. I would appreciate your writing me an email message or calling me if you cannot make it to a class.