Course Syllabus

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Lincoln University

      Topics include solution methods and applications of first order differential equations, solution of higher order differential equations using the characteristic equation, the undetermined coefficients and variation of parameters methods, existence and uniqueness theorems for initial value problems, Laplace transforms, systems of linear differential equations.

• Recognize and solve ordinary differential problems using the techniques of:
  • Direct integration
  • Separating the variables
  • Identifying homogeneous, exact, linear equations
  • Reduction of order
  • Homogeneous equations with constant coefficients
  • Methods of undetermined coefficients and variation of parameters
  • Operator methods for finding particular solutions
  • Laplace transforms methods
• Be able to use these techniques to solve application problems in biology, business, chemistry, physics and engineering, e.g. growth, decay, chemical reactions, mixing, falling bodies and other motion problems.

• Homework

          Daily homework will be given on material covered in class, reviewed the next day, and may be collected and graded on an unannounced basis. On all assignments, all work must be shown for credit.

           Students are encouraged to work cooperatively. The objective of group work is to develop individual skills while learning to work effectively as a team, to think and talk about problem solving and the underlying mathematical concepts, and to develop the ability to ask and answer questions as they arise. However, each student is responsible for all the assigned material, in other words, students can work together, but should not simply copy work from each other. Students are also encouraged to make regular visits during office hours, to meet in study groups, and to use the Math Lab or the Math Tutors from the School of Natural Sciences.

• Quizzes, Tests and Final Exam

          Short quizzes will be given on an unannounced basis. One hour in- class exams will be announced at least a week in advance. A cumulative two hour Final Exam will be given as scheduled by the Registrar. ALL work must be shown for full credit.

• Late Work And Make-Ups
  
  All graded assignments, quizzes and exams must be completed when scheduled. Late assignments or make-up tests or quizzes will only be allowed with official documentation and grades may be lowered. To qualify for a make-up, a student must have notified the professor and rescheduled in a timely manner.

Lincoln University uses the class method of teaching, which assumes that each student has something to contribute and something to gain by attending class. It further assumes that there is much more instruction absorbed in the classroom than can be tested on examinations. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and should exhibit good faith in this regard. For the control of absences, the faculty adopted the following regulations:

• Four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course.
• Three tardy arrivals may be counted as one absence.
• Absences will be counted starting with whatever day is specified by the instructor but not later than the deadline for adding or dropping courses.
• In case of illness, death in the family, or other extenuating circumstances, the student must present documented evidence of inability to attend classes to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. However, in such cases the student is responsible for all work missed during those absences.
• Students representing the University in athletic events or other University sanctioned activities will be excused from class (es) with the responsibility of making up all work and examinations. The Registrar will issue the excused format to the faculty member in charge of the off- or on-campus activity for delivery by the student(s) to their instructors.

Students are responsible for proper conduct and integrity in all of their scholastic work. They must follow a professor's instructions when completing tests, homework, and laboratory reports, and must ask for clarification if the instructions are not clear. In general, students should not give or receive aid when taking exams, or exceed the time limitations specified by the professor. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Honesty in the classroom and in the preparation of papers is therefore expected of all students. Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own. All of this work must be done in accordance with established principles of academic integrity.

Students will be held to the rules and regulations of the Student Conduct Code as described in the Lincoln University Student Handbook. In particular, excessive talking, leaving and reentering class, phones or pagers, or other means of disrupting the class will not be tolerated and students may be asked to leave. Students who constantly disrupt class may be asked to leave permanently and will receive an F.

All courses offered through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science require students to meet at least the following out of the 8 Core Curriculum Learner Competencies: