MATH 238 - Differential Equations

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
MATH 238 is designed for students planning to major in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or physics. Topics include analytic methods of solving ordinary differential equations as well as qualitative and numerical methods for describing their solutions.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C- or higher in MATH& 153, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Math Department.
Course Outcomes:

Solve first-order differential equations by using separation of variables, linearity principles, and integrating factors.
Solve constant-coefficient second-order linear differential equations.
Solve linear systems of differential equations by using eigenvalues and analyze the solutions in the phase plane.
Use Laplace transforms to solve first- and second order differential equations.
Analyze and interpret solutions by creating and evaluating direction fields.
Approximate solutions numerically with algorithms such as Euler’s method and the Runge-Kutta method.
Interpret differential equations in applied contexts.
Access and use technology including a computer algebra system.
Communicate mathematics using appropriate vocabulary and notation.

Course Attribute(s): Natural Science, Quantitative