Math 285 Section 1001
Differential Equations, 3 Credits
TTh 2:30–3:45, Bristlecone 332
Instructor Information
Office Hours
Gary Schwartz
Aspen Building, Rm. 228
775–445–4296 (Fax: 775–445–3141)
gary.schwartz@wnc.edu
Monday & Wednesday 11:00–12:00, 2:30–3:30
Thursday 4:00–5:00
WebAssign Class Key
wnc 2557 6686
Course Description
Presents methods of solving ordinary differential equations with application to physical systems.
Includes systems of equations, series solution, numerical solution, and Laplace transforms.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to apply methods for the solution of
differential equations to solve problems involving rate, growth, decay, harmonic motion and resonance
which are applicable to physical systems such as springs and masses, projectile motion, electrical circuits
and mixing tanks.
Course Linkage
Math 285 transfers to UNR, UNLV and most other two and four-year institutions. In addition to this,
Math 285 can be used to satisfy the general education requirement for any degree or certificate.
Math 285 addresses the following student learning outcomes of the A.S. Mathematics degree by
ensuring that students:
 Understand the content of calculus and differential equations.
 Are able to apply the content of calculus and differential equations at the appropriate level in
mathematics, science and engineering courses.
 Can use appropriate college-level mathematical skills.
 Have adequate problem solving, creative, and critical thinking skills.
Grading Policy
There will be 1100 points available for the course broken down as follows:
500
Homework
200 x 3 = 600 3 Exams
The grading scale is based on 1000 points; therefore the additional 100 available points are extra credit.
No other form of extra credit will be considered for this class.
Grades will be given on a strict point system according to the following table:
870–899
B+
770–799
C+
670–699
D+
≥ 930
A
830–869
B
730–769
C
630–669
D
900–929
A-
800–829
B-
700–729
C-
600–726
D-
≤ 599
F
At any time, students may check their current grade by contacting the instructor and requesting it.
Transfer Information
This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the
Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It
may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can
transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
Materials
Textbook
Recommended. Zill: A First Course in Differential Equations, 10th Edition
WebAssign
Required. Available at the bookstore. You may also purchase access through the WebAssign website.
Details will be given in class. Access includes a complete electronic version of the textbook.
Calculator
At a minimum, your calculator should have exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. A
graphing calculator, specifically a TI-83 or TI-84, is strongly recommended. Wireless communication
devices may not be used in any capacity during exams. Similarly, calculators capable of symbolic
operations (for example, a TI-89) may not be used in any capacity during exams. Use of any of these
device during an exam will result in a score of 0 (zero) for that exam. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this
policy.
Other Technology
It will be very helpful to familiarize yourself with software and/or websites that can help you to verify
solutions, and solve parts of problems not directly related to the course. The website
www.wolframalpha.com is a good example. Also, Maple software is installed in one of the Cedar
building computer lab classrooms. Both of these will be used in class to provide additional examples.
Attendance Policy
There is no attendance requirement for this course. You are responsible for any course information and
material missed due to absence. Notify the instructor in advance if you will miss an examination. If you
miss an exam without prior notification, you may not be able to make it up.
Withdrawal Policy
The grade of ‘W’ (withdrawal) is an administrative assignment, and will not be assigned by the
instructor. Students must officially withdraw from the course in order to receive a W grade. Students
who do not withdraw will receive the letter grade that their score indicates.
Academic Integrity
Western Nevada College is committed to providing a high quality educational experience for all students
who attend the college. Academic integrity and honesty in all educational classrooms and programs are
critical in providing this high level of education attainment. Students at Western Nevada College are
expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors because academic dishonesty disrupts
the learning process and threatens the educational environment for all students.
Accommodations for Disabled Students
If you have a disability for which you will need to request accommodations, please contact Susan Trist in
the Disability Support Services office (Bristlecone building, Room 103) at 775–445–3268 as soon as
possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations. In order to insure that all students are treated
fairly, no accommodations can be made until the student can provide the necessary paperwork from
the Disability Support Services office.
Early Warning System
In accordance with the WNC Security-Related Procedures and Practices Manual, the Public Safety
Department is authorized to make student notifications that are of an emergency or police nature.
Otherwise, college employees can only disseminate designated directory information regarding current
and past students.
A note on WebAssign (and other web-based learning environments)
WebAssign is a valuable learning tool designed to help you master the skills necessary for successful
completion of this course. However, when using a web-based system, some students forget that the
goal of homework is to be able to work problems without help from the computer. During your
studying, you must get to the point where you do not need to ask for help in order to finish a problem,
or you will not perform well on the tests.
Tentative List of Topics
Date (T)
8/26
9/2
9/9
9/16
9/23
9/30
10/7
10/14
10/21
10/28
11/4
11/11
11/18
11/25
12/2
12/9
Sections
1.1–1.2
2.1
2.3
2.5
Exam 1 Review
4.1–4.2
4.4 or 4.5 (TBA)
5.2
6.2
Exam 2 Review
7.1
7.3
7.5
8.1
8.2
Exam 3 Review
Date (R)
8/28
9/4
9/11
9/18
9/25
10/2
10/9
10/17
10/23
10/30
11/6
11/13
11/20
11/27
12/4
12/11
Sections
1.2–1.3
2.2
2.4
2.6
Exam 1
4.3
5.1
6.1
6.4
Exam 2
7.2
7.4
7.6
Thanksgiving Holiday – No Classes
8.3
Exam 3
Homework Policy
All homework will be completed using WebAssign which can be accessed at www.webassign.net.
Homework assignments for each section will be available on the day that section is covered. You will
have at least one week from the day homework is assigned to complete the assignment. You may
request an extension on any homework assignment, however using an extension may result in a penalty
to the grade for that assignment, at the instructor’s discretion. Each homework assignment will have a
point value. Your percentage of the total available homework points will be multiplied by 500 to get
your homework point total.