MATH 616  

MATH 616 
 Ordinary Differential Equations
 Fall 2009 
Tu,Th 6:30-7:45 Kiely 277 

*** Special Notices***

Here are solutions to the first exam: examIsolutions.pdf

A new homework assignment is posted


Homework

Important Dates (Exams)

Instructor: Scott Wilson
Office: Kiely Hall 303 
Office hours: T,Th 3-4:20 or by appt.
email: scott dot wilson AT qc.cuny.edu

Course Description: This is a one-semester course in the theory of ordinary differential equations. There is no required textbook for the course, though you may certainly want to purchase one. Below there is a list of books related to the course material as well as some comments following them. I recommend you take notes in class and use one or more texts to supplement this material, if required or desired. Please feel free to ask me further questions on topics and textbooks.

  • Perko, Lawrence. Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems. 3rd Edition. Texts in Applied Mathematics, No. 7, Springer-Verlag, 2001.
  • Chicone, Carmen. Ordinary Differential Equations with Applications. Texts in Applied Mathematics, No. 34, Springer-Verlag, 1999.
  • Arnold, V.I. Ordinary Differential Equations.
  • Walter and Thompson. Ordinary Differential Equations. Graduate Texts in Mathematics. Springer-Verlag.
  • Coddington and Levinson. Theory of ordinary differential equations. McGraw-Hill.
  • Hartman, P. Ordinary Differential Equations.
  • Hale, J.K. Ordinary Differential Equations.

    All of the course material we'll cover appears in the union of the first four textbooks. It will be presented in a self contained way. Some subjective coments are in order. The first two texts have quite a few great examples as well as nicely presented theory. Arnold's book is very geometric (with few formulas) and is highly recommended if you have a background or interest in manifolds. The forth text above is a bit more advanced than the first two and has some sharper results. The last three texts are classics in the subject.

    Homework: There will be several written assignments. They will be posted on the homework page. See the link to the left. You may work together. Any submitted written work must be in your own words.

    Grading The final grade for this course will be based on a midterm exam (in class), a final exam, and the homework assignments, weighted as follows:

    Homework30%
    Midterm30%
    Final exam40%

    Students with Disabilities: If you have a physical, psychiatric, medical, or learning disability that could adversely affect your performance in this course, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) at 718-997-5870. They will review your situation and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation regarding disabilities will be treated as strictly confidential.