Class Meetings
T Th 9:40-11:10 am, Ford 204
Final Exam Time: Dec 15th (Th) 8-11am
Additional course information, assignments, and due dates are available on the course website
Professor McNicholas, Ford 211
Office Hours: In addition to the office hours posted on the website below, I’m also available by appointment.
Recommended Text: Elementary Differential Equations, Boyce & DiPrima, ed. 8 or higher
"Logic moves in one direction, the direction of clarity, coherence and structure. Ambiguity moves in the other direction, that of fluidity, openness, and release. Mathematics moves back and forth between these two poles. It is the interaction between these different aspects that gives mathematics its power." - William Byers
In this course you will:
enhance your content knowledge, including your ability to identify and classify salient features of a differential equation which help in finding its solution, algebraically solve certain classes of differential equations, and numerically and qualitatively study differential equations more broadly
combine creative, abstract, and quantitative problem solving techniques to generate models, make judgments, and draw appropriate conclusions based on quantitative information
strengthen your mathematical maturity and independence by asking good questions, forming conjectures, and conducting mathematical research
practice your collaboration skills and participate in the mathematics community
include, but are not limited to:
mathematical modeling with ODEs,
analytic solutions to nth-order linear ODEs
series solutions and Laplace transforms
basic numerical methods to estimate solutions to ODEs, and
qualitative analysis of solutions to linear and nonlinear ODEs.
Your grade will be based on your level of achievement in each of the following graded course components. Exact grade cut-offs will be determined at the end of the semester, with a grade of 90% and above guaranteeing an A-, 80% and above a B-, and 70% and above a C-.
10% Class Engagement (Attendance, Perusall, Colloquia)
45% 3 Exams (each worth 15%)
20% Modeling/Simulation Project
25% Homework
Class Engagement: Students are expected to attend 2 of the math colloquium talks given throughout the semester. A schedule of talks can be found on the Math Department website, and linked to from the course WISE site. The goal of this attendance requirement is to introduce you to the diversity and vitality of current mathematics research, and to include you in the Math Department community. In addition, there will be in-class investigations, and out of class Perusall readings (including texts, podcasts, and videos) assigned to supplement class discussions. Your grade for this component of the course will be based on how meaningfully you engage in these activities and discussions, as based on your attendance and the quality of your in-class and Perusall contributions. Perusall assesses how integral your contributions are to the conversation – hence engaging with the Perusall readings early and often will increase your score.
Individual Exams: There will be three individual exams (celebrations? denouements? an assessment by any other name is just as exciting).
Modeling/Simulation Project: Differential Equations arise in a number of varied contexts and their solution is of upmost importance in a number of fields. Really it's a subject meant to be applied - which you will do through a group modeling/simulation semester project. For more information about the project including due-dates and grading rubric see the Modeling Project website: https://willamette.edu/diff-eq-modelingsimulation-pro/home
Homework: Throughout the semester I will assign homework sets that reinforce class concepts and provide the opportunity to apply the theorems and techniques discussed in class. Many of these sets will be assigned using WeBWork. I encourage you to do these homework sets collaboratively. WeBWorK is an online homework distribution and grading system. The best feature of WeBWorK is that when you enter an answer to a homework problem, the system immediately tells you whether the answer is correct. You can try a problem as many times as you like. Once you get the answer right, that fact is immediately recorded (provided it is before the due date), and any wrong answers are not counted in your grade. Here are some tips for using WeBWorK: https://sites.google.com/willamette.edu/webwork/home.
I will do everything in my power to help you learn, but it is up to you to make the most of this experience by coming to class prepared and ready to engage in discussion. The following actions are all critical for your success in this class. If there are barriers to you doing any of the following, please let me know.
ASK QUESTIONS & THINK CRITICALLY. Throughout the course you should be asking yourself “Why are we doing this? Why does this method work? How is this related to other topics I’ve learned?” Ask questions in class, after class, during office hours, whenever! If you are confused or having problems with a certain section of the material talk to me about it. It is best to clear up confusions right away, and if you have a question, almost certainly other members of class do to. Be the brave one and speak up! The whole class will benefit from your questions.
DO THE ASSIGNMENTS. As you know, mathematics is not a spectator sport. At the same time, it can be a frustrating endeavor to engage in alone. Think of it as a team sport! I strongly encourage, and may even require, you to work with your fellow students on homework assignments.
SPEND TIME STUDYING. Willamette’s Credit Hour Policy holds that for every hour of class time there is an expectation of 3 hours of work outside of class. You should anticipate spending approximately 9 hours outside of class engaged in course-related activities. To master the content of this course you will need to invest time and effort. Set aside time for both homework and studying. A good approach would be to spend approximately 1-2 hours on reading the sections and making study notes, 3-6 hours doing the assigned problems, and 1-3 hours on your research project each week. This course is completely manageable, and you can do well in it as long as you engage from the beginning.
Differential Equations is an eclectic mix of techniques based on multivariable calculus, sequences and series, linear algebra, and complex analysis. It is natural to feel a little lost or confused at times. What should you do? Discuss! Ask questions! You can start conversations on the course Discord channel, bring questions up in class, email me, arrange to meet with me, arrange to meet with other students, attend office hours, etc. We now have the capability to meet in person or virtually, so there are even more ways to talk things through with me or your classmates.
Inclusivity Statement: Willamette University values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to a climate of mutual respect and full participation. My goal is to create a learning environment that is effective, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion, assessment of your work, or your achievement, please notify me as soon as possible. I will gladly honor your request to address you by your affirmed name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this at any point in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. If I accidentally use an incorrect gender pronoun or mispronounce your name when addressing you, please let me know, in whatever manner makes you comfortable, so that I can make every effort to correct that error.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Accessible Education Services office in Smullin 155 at 503-370-6737 or Accessible-info@willamette.edu to discuss a range of options to removing barriers, including accommodations.
Missed Classes: Please make every effort to attend all classes and be an active participant in class activities and discussions. Much of your learning and understanding of new mathematical ideas will come from thinking and talking about them in class. If for some reason you are unable to attend class or turn in an assignment, please let me know as soon as possible, preferably before the missed class or assignment. I know how important athletic commitments, personal events, and religious traditions can be, and will do my best to accommodate your personal needs.
Cell Phone/Screen Policy: Unless specifically stated for class use, no phones, laptops, iPads, or other devices which take your eyes off your fellow classmates and the class discussion are allowed. Electronic devices must be turned off or silenced during class meetings. If your phone goes off, or it is clear that you are using one of these devices during class, you will be responsible for bringing treats for the entire class at the next class meeting.
Health: As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance use, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Willamette services are available and treatment does work. If you think you need help, please contact Bishop Health as soon as possible at http://willamette.edu/offices/counseling/. Crisis counseling is available 24/7 at WUTalk: 503-375-5353 and Campus Safety is available at 503-370-6911. Emergency resources are also available from the Psychiatric Crisis Center at 503-585-4949 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Willamette is a community committed to fostering safe, productive learning environments, and we value ethical sexual behaviors and standards. Title IX and our school policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, which regards sexual misconduct including discrimination, harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We understand that sexual violence can undermine students academic success, and we encourage affected students to talk to someone about their experiences and get the support they need. Please be aware that as a mandatory reporter I am required to report any instances you disclose to Willamette’s Title IX Coordinator. If you would rather share information with a confidential employee who does not have this responsibility, please contact our confidential advocate at confidential-advocate@willamette.edu. Confidential support also can 4 be found with SARAs and at the GRAC (503-851-4245); and at WUTalk - a 24-hour telephone crisis counseling support line (503-375-5353). If you are in immediate danger, please call campus safety at 503-370-6911.
Academic Integrity: Students of Willamette University are members of a community that values excellence and integrity in every aspect of life. As such, we expect all community members to live up to the highest standards of personal, ethical, and moral conduct. Students are expected not to engage in any type of academic or intellectually dishonest practice and encouraged to display honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all they do. Plagiarism and cheating are especially offensive to the integrity of courses in which they occur and against the College community as a whole. These acts involve intellectual dishonesty, deception, and fraud, which inhibit the honest exchange of ideas. Ignorance of what constitutes plagiarism shall not be considered a valid defense. Plagiarism and cheating may be grounds for failure in the course and/or dismissal from the College. For more information, see http://willamette.edu/cla/catalog/policies/plagiarism-cheating.php. If you are unsure of what constitutes cheating, please ask me. These are the practices I expect you to follow in each of the components of the course:
on collaboration: You may, and are encouraged to discuss things with fellow students, and get help from your professor, textbook, notes, or calculator. However, your submitted written work should be your own or a collaboration with your assignment group. Copy/pasting sections of another's assignment or code, reading and paraphrasing another source, or providing your assignment to be copied by others, are violations of university policy. When working on a group assignment, all members of the group should contribute to producing all components of the finished product. Writing your name on work you did not contribute to in a substantive manner is a violation of university policy.
on individual tests: Throughout the course there will be individual tests and/or quizzes. Your work on these assessments should be your own, and you may not receive help from any source other than your professor (unless directed otherwise).
Intellectual Property & Privacy: Class materials and discussions including recorded lectures are for the sole purpose of educating the students enrolled in the course. The release of such information (including but not limited to directly sharing, screen capturing, or recording content) is strictly prohibited, unless the instructor states otherwise. Doing so without the permission of the instructor will be considered an Honor Code violation and may also be a violation of other state and federal laws, such as the Copyright Act. 5
DACA/Undocumented Student Advocate: Willamette is committed to supporting our DACA/Undocumented students in a variety of ways. This year, Olivia Muñoz is the contact person for all DACA/undocumented students can provide those students with a number of external and internal resources that are available. Her contact information is email:omunoz@willamette.edu, Office: 3rd Floor UC, Phone: 503-370-6447.
SOAR Center Offerings (Food, Clothing, and School Materials): The Students Organizing for Access to Resources (SOAR) Center strives to create equitable access to food, professional clothing, commencement regalia, and scholarly resources for WU and Willamette Academy students. The SOAR Center is located in the Putnam University Center’s third floor, across from the Harrison Conference Room. The space houses the Bearcat Pantry, Clothing Share, and First-Generation Book Drive and is maintained by committed students and advisers. Please check www.willamette.edu/go/soar for current hours of operation and email soar-center@willamette.edu for any questions or concerns.
Land Acknowledgement: We are gathered on the land of the Kalapuya, who today are represented by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, whose relationship with this land continues to this day. We offer gratitude for the land itself, for those who have stewarded it for generations, and for the opportunity to study, learn, work, and be in community on this land. We acknowledge that our Universitys history, like many others, is fundamentally tied to the first colonial developments in the Willamette Valley. Finally, we respectfully acknowledge and honor past, present, and future Indigenous students of Willamette.
8/29 (M) First day of classes
9/5 (M) Labor Day - No Classes
9/12 (M) A/D Deadline
10/10 (M) C/NC Deadline
10/14 (F) Mid-semester break - No Classes
10/28 (F) Withdraw Deadline
11/9-17 Registration for Spring
11/21-25 (M-F) Fall Break - No Classes
12/9 (F) Last Day of Classes
12/15 (Th) Final Exam 8-11am