Florida Atlantic University • Fall 2023 • Markus Schmidmeier
Engineering Mathematics 1
Hi, welcome to my course Engineering Mathematics 1 (MAP 3305-002, CRN 10754, 3 credits). We meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. in Sanson Science 178.
Course Description A differential equation is an equation that defines a relation between a function and its derivatives. In this course we learn how to solve the simplest differential equations by elementary methods.
Solving differential equations is at the core of mathematical modeling --- which is one of the most important and powerful tools for studying phenomena which occur in our universe. In modeling, one first collects equations, often differential equations, which describe the phenomenon. The second step, and the one we deal with mostly in this course, is to understand and solve those equations. Here we focus on equations where the unknown is a function in one real variable. The third step then is to go back to the original problem and apply the knowledge gained in the study of the equations.
Prerequisite Calculus 2 with a minimum grade of C.
Textbook Christian Constanda, Differential Equations, second edition, Springer 2017, ISBN-13: 978-3-319-50223-6.
Topics We aim to cover in full or in part the following chapters:
- First-Order Equations and Mathematical Models (Chapters 2 and 3, 4 weeks) We will cover in detail three types of first-order equations: separable, linear and Riccati-type equations. In modeling, we will deal with exponential and logistic growth.
- Linear Second-Order Equations and Mathematical Models (Chapters 4 and 5, 4 weeks) In second order, we will focus on linear equations, in particular on those with constant coefficients. The method of undetermined coefficients is used to deal with the non-homogeneous case. In modeling we will study oszillations.
- Higher-Order Linear Equations and Systems of Differential Equations (Chapters 6 and 7, 5 weeks) We will review some algebra (the fundamental theorem and methods from matrix theory) to generalize results from the previous chapters to higher order equations and to linear systems.
- The Laplace Transform (Chapter 8, as time permits)
Computer Algebra During the course, we may use computer algebra (Sage) for visualization and solution of differential equations.
Tutoring The Math Learning Center in GS 211 offers in-person tutoring M-R 10-5 and F 10-4. For details please visit MLC or e-mail mlc@sci.fau.edu.
Credit
- Homework: I will assign homework problems every week. Please bookmark the link:
Homework Problems. The problems will not be graded, but some may show up on a quiz.- Quizzes: We will have a quiz every week on Friday. The quiz is based on the homework assignments. The best twelve quizzes count for 50 % of the grade.
- Presentation: One presentation during class about a problem from our textbook will count for 10 % of the grade. The presentation needs to be given before November 17. Unless there are volunteers, I will assign presentations for the next class meeting at random among all registered students.
- Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will count for 40 % of your grade. It is scheduled for Sunday, December 10, 6:45 - 9:15 p.m. in GS 119. Please bring a picture id (Owl card or drivers licence)!
Further Information For the Disability Policy, the Make-Up Policy, the Code of Academic Integrity, Religious Accommodation, my Grading Scale, the FAU Attendance Policy Statement, Financial Assistance Opportunities and the FAU Covid Statement please visit Infos for all my courses.
Contact Me
- Office hours: MW 10:00 - 11:20 a.m. in SE 272.
- Phone: 561-297-0275 (office)
- E-mail: markus@math.fau.edu
- Web Site: cescos.fau.edu/markus
Last modified: by Markus Schmidmeier