Differential Equations
Course Outline
Winter, 2015
Math 238, Section 1
5 credits
CC1-202
11:00 am -1:05 pm TTh
Course Objectives: Students will explore first- and second-order differential equations. Students will utilize various
methods including undetermined coefficients, Euler's method, and Laplace transforms to solve differential equations.
Students will also investigate series solutions, numerical approaches, and systems of linear first-order differential
equations. Emphasis will be placed on real-world applications and technology will be integrated throughout the course. A
graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite(s): Co-enrollment with or completion of MATH&163 with grade of 2.0 or higher.
Note: A calculator at least as powerful as a TI-83+ or TI-84+ is highly recommended.
Text: A First Course in Differential Equations, 9th ed., by Dennis G. Zill, Brooks/Cole Publ. Co., 2005.
Instructor: Dr. David C. Buchthal
Phone/Voice Mail: 425-352-8280
Office: CC1- 203
E-mail: dbuchthal@cascadia.edu
Office Hours: TTh – 1:10 – 2:10 pm. Other times by appointment.
Grading: The course grade is based on the following:
2 Tests @ 100 points each
= 200 points
6 Quizzes @ 15 points each
= 90 points
Collaborative Projects
= 50 points
Class Presentations
= 40 points
Comprehensive Final Exam
= 150 points
Total = 530 points
Homework will be assigned daily and discussed the following class. Quizzes based on the homework will be given every
2 or 3 classes. The best 6 of the 8-9 scheduled quizzes will determine your homework grade. The best 2 of the 3
scheduled exams will be used to calculate your final grade. There will be no make-up tests or quizzes. Students will
work on collaborative projects and present examples, concepts, and applications to fellow students. Details on presentation assessments will be provided. Classroom participation and improvement will be considered in borderline cases.
Tentative Grading Scale
Total Points
Earned
Letter Grade
Letter Grade
490530
A
4.0
470489
A3.7
450469
B+
3.3
420449
B
3.0
405419
B2.7
390404
C+
2.3
355389
C
2.0
340354
C1.7
325339
D+
1.3
300324
D
1.0
0299
F
0.0
Attendance: Students are expected to attend each class session. Each day, either a quiz, a test, or a group project is
probable.
Academic Honesty: The College regards acts of academic dishonesty, including such activities as plagiarism, cheating
and/or/violations of integrity in information technology, as very serious offenses. In the event that cheating, plagiarism
or other forms of academic dishonesty are discovered, each incident will be handled as deemed appropriate. Care will be
taken that students’ rights are not violated and that disciplinary procedures are instituted only in cases where
documentation or other evidence of the offense(s) exists. A description of all such incidents shall be forwarded to the
Student Conduct Officer, where a file of such occurrences will be maintained. The Student Conduct Officer may institute
action against a student according to the college’s disciplinary policies and procedures as described in the Student
Handbook: http://www.cascadia.edu/about_cascadia/student_handbook.aspx.
Instances of academic dishonesty will be dealt with harshly. Putting you name on a group project when you did
not participate is as unethical as copying someone else’s assignment.
Acceptable Use Policy on Information Technology: In general, the same ethical conduct that applies to the use of all
college resources and facilities applies to the use of Cascadia’s systems and technology. These systems may only be used
for authorized purposes, using only legal versions of copyrighted software, and with consideration and respect for the
conservations of resources and the rights of other users. For additional information, see the online version of the Student
Handbook at http://www.cascadia.edu/about_cascadia/student_handbook.aspx or go to the Open Learning Center for
assistance with any questions.
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population. Individual differences are celebrated in a pluralistic community of learners. Cascadia does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, religion, gender and/or sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital
or veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or genetic information, and is prohibited
from discrimination in such a manner by college policy and state and federal law. The following office has been
designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and can direct inquiries to the appropriate office for
ADA-related requests: Director of Human Resources, Office CC2-280, 425-352-8880.
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event of a campus closure, please log into WAMAP at www.wamap.org for announcements and instructions.
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Campus emergency phones are located on campus walkways and parking lots.
Learning Assistance Options: To support student success, Cascadia offers a variety of support services. The Open
Learning Center, CC2-060, provides a computer lab where students can receive assistance with technology to support
class assignments. Students are encouraged to utilize the Math and Writing Center, located in CC2-080. Tutors will work
with students focusing on math concepts and writing assignments. The Math and Writing Center is open Monday
through Friday; hours and contact information can be found at:
http://www.cascadia.edu/academic_resources/math_writing.aspx
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life. Students who meet specific criteria may qualify for reasonable academic accommodations. If you have or suspect
you have a disability and need an accommodation please contact the front office in Kodiak Corner at 425-352-8860 to
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retroactive. It is the student’s responsibility to approach the faculty member with the accommodation letter as soon as it is
issued from DSS.
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please contact the Cascadia mental health counselor. Counseling at Cascadia is confidential, professional and free (six
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Appointments are not made via email. At the time of the appointment, they need to indicate which degree they are
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Online Advising: Email advising is available at advising@cascadia.edu. Our distance advisor can answer most questions
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Important Dates:
Last Day to add a class (with signature):
Last Day to Drop Classes
Last Day to Change To/From Audit (with signature)
Non-instructional Day (Friday)
No classes (holidays, Mondays):
Last Day of Class:
Jan 20
Feb 18
Feb 18
Jan 9
Jan 19, Feb 16
March 20
Course Outcomes:
Learn Actively - Learning is a personal, interactive process that results in greater expertise and a more
comprehensive understanding of the world.
 Model real-world problems using first-order and second-order differential equations.
 Model problems relating to change that arise in a variety of settings and transfer proficiency from one such
setting to another.
 Explain in written and oral form how the solutions to differential equations apply in the both abstract and
concrete contexts.
 Apply concepts and solve a variety of applied real-world problems using appropriate differential equations tools
and techniques.
 Demonstrate proficiency in using various appropriate techniques in the analysis of appropriate problems.
 Participate in interdisciplinary groups to analyze and solve real-world problems that are appropriate for the
differential equations tools and techniques.
 Apply computer software programs such as Maple to depict graphically solutions to differential equations and
derive solutions to differential equations from numerical data.
Think Critically, Creatively and Reflectively -- Reason and imagination are fundamental to problem solving and
critical examination of ideas.
 Demonstrate mastery of the concepts of first-order and second-order differential equations.
 Recognize certain basic types of first order ODEs for which exact solutions may be obtained and apply
corresponding methods of solution.
 Model problems relating to rates of change that arise in a variety of settings and transfer proficiency from one
such setting to another through the use of differential equations.
 Analyze, compare and contrast processes and procedures to solve appropriate differential equations problems and
perform the associated computations.
 Demonstrate proficiency in using software tools in the analysis of appropriate problems.
Communicate with Clarity and Originality - The ability to exchange ideas and information is essential to personal
growth, productive work, and societal vitality.
 Communicate how differential equations arise in real-world settings.
 Explain in written and oral form how concepts from the study of differential equations apply in the both abstract
and concrete contexts.
 Explain how different techniques can be used to solve differential equations problems
Interact in Diverse and Complex Environments - Successful negotiation through our increasingly complex,
interdependent and global society requires knowledge and awareness of self and others, as well as enhanced
interaction skills.
 Engage in work, study, and conversation on the topics of differential equations with colleagues.
 Apply concepts and solve a variety of applied real-world problems using appropriate differential equations tools
and techniques.
 Participate in interdisciplinary groups to analyze and solve appropriate real-world problems.
 Respect individual ways of arriving at answers, expressing results and processing information.