Sections: 318, 319 (online)

Instructor: Arshak Petrosyan

Course Description: This is a second-semester course in differential equations. The main topics covered are linear and nonlinear systems of differential equations, Laplace transform, and an introduction to Fourier series and partial differential equations.

Learning Outcomes: In this course you well learn to:

  1. Classify homogeneous first order linear systems of differential equations by their phase portraits and solve them by using the eigenvalue method.
  2. Analyze the behavior of nonlinear systems near critical points by their stability and type and apply this knowledge to study some ecological models and mechanical systems.
  3. Use the method of Laplace transform to solve linear differential equations.
  4. Use the Fourier series and the method of separation of variables to solve partial differential equations.
  5. Use the eigenfunction expansion method to solve Sturm-Liouville problems.

Textbook: Edwards, Penney, and Calvis, Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems: Computing and Modeling, Tech Update, 5th Edition.

  • You are not required to have a physical copy of the textbook. The access code to MyLab Math for online homework (required) will also include an electronic version of the textbook (Pearson eText).
  • For a physical copy of the textbook, you can purchase
    • Loose-leaf edition with MyLab Math 18-Week Access Card and Pearson eText, ISBN 9780135998144
    • Hardcover edition with MyLab Math 18-Week Access Card and Pearson eText, ISBN 9780135998137

In this course, we will cover most of Sections 5, 6, 7, 9 and the beginning of Section 10.