Mathematics (MATH) 376

Ordinary Differential Equations (Revision 6)

Revision 6 is closed for registrations, see current revision

Mathematics Diagnostic Assessment. This online test contains 70 questions that will help you assess your mathematical skills. Based on your score we will recommend which Athabasca University mathematics course you are likely ready to take successfully.

Delivery Mode: Individualized study

Credits: 3

Area of Study: Science

Prerequisite: MATH 265, MATH 266 and MATH 270 or their equivalents.

Centre: Centre for Science

MATH 376 is not available for challenge.

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Overview

MATH 376 covers basic concepts, methods and techniques for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and considers applications of ODEs in different areas.

Outline

Mathematics 376 consists of three main parts covering particular Differential Equations topics in units. The main objective in each unit is to identify the corresponding type of equation or system of equations and to learn techniques for solving them.

Part I: First-order Differential Equations

Unit 1: Introducing Ordinary Differential Equations
Unit 2: Directly Integrable Ordinary Differential Equations Resolved in Terms of the Derivative
Unit 3: Reduction to Separable Equations
Unit 4: Reduction to Exact Equations: Integrating Factors
Unit 5: First-order Equations not Resolved with Respect to the Derivative: Parametric Solutions
Unit 6: Initial Value Problems for a Single First-order Differential Equation

Part II: Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients

Unit 7: The Basic Theory of Systems of Linear Ordinary Differential Equations
Unit 8: Systems of Homogeneous Linear Ordinary Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients
Unit 9: Particular Solutions for Nonhomogeneous Linear Ordinary Differential Equations
Unit 10: Laplace Transforms
Unit 11: Initial Value Problems from the Perspective of Laplace Transforms

Part III: Beyond Linear Equations with Constant Coefficients

Unit 12: Some Cases of Reduction for Linear Ordinary Differential Equations
Unit 13: Power Series Solutions to Ordinary Differential Equations with Analytic Coefficients
Unit 14: Non-analytic Coefficients: The Method of Frobenius
Unit 15: Autonomous Systems of Two Equations and Numeric Approximations to Solutions of Initial Value Problems for Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to

demonstrate understanding of the meaning of an ordinary differential equation (ODE), its order, its general solution, and its particular solution.
recognize and solve different types of first-order ODEs, including separable, exact, homogeneous, linear and Bernoulli equations.
solve simple applied initial value problems (IVPs) modelled with first-order ODEs, including population models, Newtonian mechanics problems, and heating and cooling problems.
apply the methods of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, and Laplace transform, to solve systems of linear ODEs with constant coefficients, higher-order differential equations, homogeneous and nonhomogeneous equations, and IVPs for systems of first-order linear equations and single higher-order linear equations with constant coefficients.
apply concepts of power series and reduction to linear ODEs to solve differential equations with variable coefficients, including Cauchy-Euler equations.
demonstrate understanding of concepts related to phase plane analysis, such as autonomous systems, phase plane, critical (equilibrium) points, and their stability and classification.

Evaluation

To receive credit for MATH 376, you must achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination, and a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Activity	Weighting
Assignment 1 (Part I)	10%
Assignment 2 (Part II)	10%
Assignment 3 (Part III)	10%
Final Exam	70%
Total	100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Nagle, R. K., Saff E. B., and Snider A. D. Fundamentals of Differential Equations, 8th ed. Boston: Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2012.

Maymeskul, V. Student's Solutions Manual to Accompany Fundamentals of Differential Equations 8th Edition and Fundamentals of Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems 6th Edition. Boston: Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2012.

Other Materials

The course materials include a study guide and a course orientation.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.

Opened in Revision 6, January 15, 2018.

View previous syllabus