211 Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
OWL-Space Please refer to the Math 211 OWL-Space for homework assigments, course announcements, and schedule. Click Me!
Instructor Leo Rosales
Email: lrosales at rice
Lectures: MWF 11-11:50 HZ AMP
Instructor Office Hours: MWF 11:50-12:30 HZAMP, Th 1-2 HB 426
Teaching Assistants (email@rice.edu): James Cooper (James.M.Cooper), Natalie Durgin (ndurgin), Daniel Tanner (Daniel.J.Tanner), Robert Vance (Robert.Vance), Fei Xu (Fei.Xu)
Help Sessions: Sunday 7-9pm HZ 212, Monday 7-9pm mostly in HZ212, Wednesday 7-9pm mostly in HZ212, Thursday 7-9pm mostly in HZ210. Please see the following detailed schedule: Help Sessions.
Textbook: Differential Equations, 2nd edition by Polking, Boggess & Arnold
Course: We will study Ordinary Differential Equations, including methods of finding solutions as well as studying their properties. We will use tools from Linear Algebra, such as matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, to study first-order systems of differential equations and the qualitative theory of nonlinear systems and phase portraits. We will cover Chapters 2, 4, 7, 8, 9 of the book.
Grades: The grade distributions are the following:
Homework (including Matlab Project): 15%
(2) Midterm Exams: 20% each
Final Exam: 45%
Homework: Assignments shall typically be due Fridays at 1pm. You can hand your homework at the end of lecture or at my office. PLEASE PLACE YOUR HOMEWORK IN THE CORRECT FOLDER, ACCORDING TO YOUR LAST NAME. Consult the OWL-Space site for weekly assignments and due dates. Collaboration is encouraged, but make sure you understand and write your own solutions. Besides your name, please write the assignment number.
Matlab Project: This assignment is to complete Project 8.6 from the book. You must work in groups of 3-4, and your report must be typed. The project is meant to be a brief introduction to MATLAB. The best way to learn MATLAB is to use it to solve problems. The project is due Friday November 20 by 1pm, at the end of lecture or at my office.
Midterms: There will be two midterms, the following dates:
Thursday October 1: 7-8:30pm, HZ 210 and 212
Thursday November 5: 7-8:30pm, HZ 210 and 212
Alternate Times:
Wednesday September 30: 5:30-7:00pm, HB 427
Wednesday November 4: 5:30-7:00pm, HB 427
If your last name starts with a letter A-L, take the exam in room 210. If your last name starts with the letter M-Z (or if you are late), take the exam in room 212.
Final Exam: December 9: 7:00-10:00pm, location TBD It is the policy of the mathematics department that no final may be given early to accommodate student travel plans. Do not make travel plans until the date of the final exam is known.
Accommodations: Any student with a documented disability seeking academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me during the first two weeks of class. All such discussions will remain confidential. Students with disabilities must also contact Disability Support Services in the Allen Center.
