Welcome! Hi there. I am Anne Gloag and I will be your instructor for your Differential Equations class.
Please take a few minutes to watch my video and learn a little about me. Then explore this page to familiarize yourself with the course and get information about our class.
You will find the link to log into our course at the bottom of this page.
Anne
This is a 3 unit course that begins on August 21 and ends December 16, 2023.
This course is asynchronous. The class content is found in Canvas and the material is organized in modules. Each module contains readings and videos, homework assignments, quizzes and collaborative activities including discussions and math exploration activities.
You will need to take three (or four) in-person exams at Miramar College: September 28, November 9, December 14 from 5 - 8 PM in M204. There is an optional make-up exam on December 15 by appointment.
This is not a self-paced course. You will learn in a community with your peers and engage with other students and your instructor on a regular basis.
I recognize that this is an especially stressful time to be a student. Give yourself grace as you try your best. I will be flexible throughout this course to support you towards your academic success. I believe in you!
As a White college instructor, I have not had the same experiences as those of my racially and ethnically minoritized students. But I want you to know that I am committed to creating a learning environment where all students feel safe and are treated with dignity. I want you to know that I am committed to continually learn and growth and improve my teaching. I welcome your feedback at any time in this course. Your feedback empowers me to become a better teacher.
Textbook: Differential Equations for Science (Lebl and Trench) This book is available free online. Another good reference textbook is A First Course in Differential Equations by Dennis G. Zill, any edition. This course uses MyOpenMath for online homework and this is fully integrated in Canvas – you will not need an access code.
Calculator: A scientific calculator will be useful in this course. Phones should not be used as calculators.
I love math! I love math because it is beautiful and it is complex and because it is challenging. I think that it is one of the most interesting and beautiful subjects out there.
I love teaching! I love teaching because I like getting to know how people think and I like to see how each person discovers how math works.
In my many years of teaching mathematics I have taught the basic subjects many, many times but they always feels fresh to me because there are a thousand different ways people think about and solve the same problems. Math is not about memorizing a bunch of formulas, it is not about solving problems quickly. It is about developing deep and complex thinking, about finding joy in looking for patterns and seeing how seemingly unconnected pieces fit together.
All people are different in their thinking, strengths and interests but I don't think there are people who are good at math and people who are bad at math. I have always believed that everyone can learn mathematics at a very deep level. My goal as a teacher is to help you discover the joy in mathematics and to help you see that math is a subject that you can master and enjoy.
I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
I will be actively present in your learning.
I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Orientation module.
You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You will strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.
You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and you are stressed.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Orientation module.
Course Description: This course covers first order and higher order equations and their applications. Topics include linear first order and higher order equations, homogeneous and nonhomogeneous equations with constant or variable coefficients, and systems of ordinary differential equations. Methods used to solve equations include substitution methods, integrating factors, reduction of order, variation of parameters, power series solutions, and Laplace transforms. This course is intended as an introduction to the theory and applications of differential equations and is the basis for many upper division courses in engineering, physics, and mathematics. It is intended for the transfer student planning to major in mathematics, engineering, operational research, physics, or other physical science.
Prerequisite: MATH 252 and MATH 254 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
Transfer Applicability: Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU CSU General Education IGETC UC Transfer Course List
Upon completing this course successfully, you will be able to:
Solve various types of differential equations and initial value problems using a variety of techniques including the method of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, and reduction of order.
Use differential equations and initial value problems to model a variety of physical phenomenon, like: motion problems, Newton's Law of Motion, variable acceleration, population models, free oscillation, damped oscillation, forced mechanical and electrical vibrations and resonance.
Find solutions to initial value problems using Laplace Transforms.
Longer List of Student Learning Outcomes
You will also be able to perform the following tasks:
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Course Starts: 8/21/2023
Add/Drop Deadline: 9/1/2023
Refund Deadline: 9/1/2023
Withdrawal Deadline: 10/27/2023
Course Ends: 12/16/2023
I design my course to ensure that all students can succeed. You've got this!
Believe in Yourself. I believe in you. You got this. Even if you think that math is the hardest thing in the world, if you believe that you can succeed, you will. Research has proven that an open mind lets learning in and makes it stick.
Show up. Showing up is one of the most important factors to your success. Show up in the course, show up to office hours, show up for study groups with your peers. Show up mentally as well as physically. Be ready to do the work and contribute to the community.
Do the work. Yes, there will be lots of work! You don't need to do every single assignment and earn every single point in the course but try to complete the majority of the assignments, even the difficult, confusing ones and don't fall behind.
Communicate. If you identify a challenge meeting a due date, contact me right away. I am willing to be flexible. Contacting me in advance of a due date will keep you and I in sync and ensure you don't get overwhelmed by unfinished work. In your message, propose an alternative due date (within 24 hours is advised to ensure you don't fall behind). Please don't consider that proposal approved, however, until you hear from me.
We are here for you!
I welcome your questions any time and I'm happy to help you think through your ideas so you can successfully complete an assignment. Sometimes just a five minute conversation is all you need. Struggle is a natural part of learning, but if you're feeling frustrated that means it is time to reach out for some assistance. You know how to reach me, right?
Office Hours: My office hours are 2 - 4PM Mondays and Wednesday over Zoom and on-campus, these are not required but I am here to help you live with any questions you have.
Math Lab and ASC: Come for tutoring at Miramar College! We have drop-in tutoring and tutoring by appointment. Our centers are open Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 6PM (with tutors available 10AM - 5PM)
Email: I prefer that you contact me through the Canvas inbox. But you can also reach me at agloag@sdccd.edu
Phone: (619) 602-5364 (text me first because I'm often in class or meetings)
If you contact me Monday-Friday, I will respond within 24 hours (usually much sooner). I do my best to reply on weekends but I'm human too and have been known to take breaks.
I'm happy to arrange times outside of office hours to meet in Zoom, in person or call you directly if that's preferred.
NetTutor: There are free live tutors 24 hours a day, every day. To access, go to our class in Canvas. Click on the tab NetTutor on the left-hand side. Scroll down to and click on Math. Then click - Drop in and Meet with a Live Tutor.