This course will cover selected topics from Ordinary Differential Equations. Upon successful completion of this course the you will have an understanding of and ability to apply each of the following topics:
In order to succeed in this class, certain basic mathematical skills are necessary. In particular, we need to feel comfortable with basic calculus concepts and techniques. These prerequisite can be satisfied by:
Multivariable calculus is not required. But certain more advanced topics will involve discussions relating to partial derivatives.
Reading assignment and homework problems will be assigned from the required textbook.
Please be respectful of other people in the classroom or in virtual meetings and use common sense. In particular, please…
Students who violate these rules will be asked to leave the meeting and will not be allowed to return until they have spoken privately with me.
Scientific calculators or equivalent software programs can be helpful in doing homework problems. According to AUM Mathematics Department Calculator Policy, students are required to have a graphing calculator (TI-84 is recommended). The use of such calculators may be required for certain homework problems or in-class activities. However, all in-class quizzes and exams are designed so that no calculator will be needed. Therefore calculators or any smart devices with Internet capabilities are not allowed on any of the quizzes and exams.
In this semester, we will adopt a “blended flipped” model. This means lectures are replaced by a series of short videos. You are expected to watch these videos and read our textbook.
In addition, you are expected to meet with me either in-person or virtually (via Zoom) at least once each week. In these meetings, I will answer your question work on problem with you, go over worksheets, or have other discussions related to this course. These meetings will be a component of your course grade. See detailed explanation below.
After reading the textbook, you need to complete a short reading test through the Blackboard system. Late submission will receive lower scores unless valid reasons (military assignments, medical issues, family emergency, etc) and proper documentation are provided, preferably in advance. Otherwise, a missing reading test receives a score of zero. It is recommended that you finish each reading test at least a few days before the due date.
You will complete short online tests called “concept tests” on the Blackboard system that are designed to test your overall understanding of the subject. Please see the “concept tests” folder on the Blackboard system for detail.
Each week you will be asked to complete a survey. The completion of each survey worth 0.333…% of your course grade. Late submissions will receive lower scores.
Each week, you will be required to…
These meetings will give us opportunities to have one-on-one or close to one-on-one discussions (in-person problem sessions will not be one-on-one). In these meetings, we will…
Your participation in these meetings (either in-person or virtual) will be a component in your course grade. Your attendance in each meeting worth 0.333…% of your course grade.
In in-person or virtual problem sessions, you will be given worksheets that contain short problems for you to complete. There are 23 worksheets in total, you can try to complete each worksheet multiple times, although you will only have at most one attempt on any worksheet in each problem session. In each attempt, you can…
Note that you will receive slightly different versions of the same problem in each attempt.
Your final grade is determined according to your overall performance of quizzes, the in-class worksheets, projects, and the final exam, and is calculated according to the following weights.
| Component | Points | Where/how |
|---|---|---|
| Reading tests | 20 | Blackboard |
| Concept tests | 20 | Blackboard |
| Worksheets | 50 | In person or Zoom |
| Meeting attendance | 5 | In person or Zoom |
| Surveys | 5 | Online |
AUM COVID-19 updates. Please follow guidelines detailed in the AUM pandemic plan relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Technology equipment expectation. Access to computers and stable Internet connection are expected. Students who do not have their own equipment can use AUM open labs including labs found in the first floor of the Taylor center and the second floor of the library.
Syllabus contingency plan. Should the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Governor, or Chancellor determine the university discontinue face-to-face (in-person) instruction in the interest of safety, this course would be converted to a virtual-only format. If normal class and/or lab activities are disrupted due to illness, emergency, or crisis situation (such as a COVID-19 outbreak), the syllabus and other course plans and assignments may be modified to allow completion of the course. If this occurs, an addendum to the syllabus and/or course assignments will replace the original materials.
In case the instructor cannot attend due to COVID-related matter, a back-up instructor will be arranged by the Department of Mathematics.
Academic dishonesty. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. In particular, you cannot copy (totally or partially) someone else’s solutions or allow someone else to copy your solutions on quizzes or exams. If you do, you will receive an “F” in the course. Please consult Student Handbook for additional guidelines.
Disability accommodations. Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours to discuss your accommodations. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can be arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by e-mail. If you have not registered for accommodation services through the Center for Disability Services (CDS), but need accommodations, make an appointment with CDS, 147 Taylor Center, or call 334-244-3631 or e-mail CDS at cds@aum.edu
Academic support. Student Success Advising in the WASC can be scheduled through Advisor Trac, email at wasc@aum.edu, or by calling our front desk at 334.244.3230. ISL: Tutoring appointments can be scheduled online by filling out the form at http://www.aum.edu/tutoringapp.
Student privacy policy. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (FERPA) requires institutions receiving federal monies to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. For details go to the AUM’s FERPA website: http://www.aum.edu/academics/Registrars-office