Syllabus

Differential Equations for Engineering

ENGR 205
Catalog Data:

ENGR 205 Differential Equations for Engineering (2). Prerequisite: ENGR 201. First and higher order differential
equations (DE), systems of DE, partial DE, difference equations, numerical methods, Laplace transforms,
engineering applications involving mechanical vibrations, electrical circuits, impact forces, and mixing problems

Textbook: Access code for Fundamentals of Differential Equations, R. Kent Nagle, Edward B. Saff, and Arthur
D. Snider, Ninth Edition, Pearson Education, Inc., 2018 for MyMathLab in MyLabsPlus is required.
A hard copy of the text is optional.

MyMathLab: MyMathLab is a collection of online homework, tutorial, media and assessment products that will
be used throughout this course. A digital copy of the textbook is included as part of the MyMathLab
media.

Instructors: Gale Crush, MEng, Assistant Professor Term of Engineering Fundamentals; JS 105A;
gale.crush@louisville.edu
Adrienne Parsons, PhD, Professional Engineer; Instructor of Engineering Fundamentals; JS 105B;
adrienne.parsons@louisville.edu

Main Goals: This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of, and extensive problem solving
in, first and higher order ordinary differential equations and systems of equations using the methods
of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, and Laplace transforms. It also is designed to
give students an introduction to basic numerical methods, variables separable partial differential
equations, and linear difference equations.

Prerequisites by Topic:
1. Differential and integral calculus including partial differentiation
2. Familiarity with the use of a Computer Algebra System (like Maple or Wolfram Alpha) and Excel

Topics:
1. Variables separable differential equations, equations of the form y   G(ax  by ), homogeneous ( y / x
form) equations, equations with linear coefficients, exact differential equations, equations made exact by
integrating factors, linear first order differential equations, Bernoulli equations, RL and RC electrical
circuits, existence and uniqueness, linear independence, the Wronskian, homogeneous(  0 ), linear
differential equations with real, constant coefficients;
2. Basic theory of linear differential equations, nonhomogeneous equations and the superposition principle, the
method of undetermined coefficients, the annihilator, linear difference equations, method of variation of
parameters, definition of Laplace transform, linearity, piecewise continuity, exponential order, existence,
tables of transforms, translation in “s” property of Laplace transform;
3. Laplace transforms of derivatives, inverse Laplace transforms (including partial fractions), initial value
problems with initial conditions at t  0 or t  c, c  0 , derivatives of the Laplace transform, solving linear
differential equations with coefficients that are polynomials, transforms of discontinuous functions,
translation in t, inverse transforms of functions containing e as , transforms of periodic functions, Impulses
and the Dirac delta function, solving differential equations with functions involving jump discontinuities at
t=0, convolution;
4. The transfer function H(s), and the impulse response function h(t), the Gamma function, mathematical
modeling, mechanical vibrations and simple harmonic motion, undamped and underdamped or oscillatory
vibrations, damped, free vibrations, including underdamped or oscillatory, critically damped and
overdamped motion, forced vibrations, resonance, beats (amplitude modulation), simple electric (RLC)
circuits;
5. Normal form for a system of differential equations, introduction to systems of linear differential equations
of first order with constant coefficients, the elimination method, converting an nth order differential equation
into a system, solving linear systems with Laplace transforms, compartmental analysis (mixing problems),
direction fields, introduction to numerical methods, the approximation method of Euler, using the fourth
order Runge-Kutta method and a CAS to solve first and higher order differential equations and systems of
differential equations, review of Fourier cosine and sine series, the method of separation of variables for
solving partial differential equations.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course learners will be able to:
1. Identify the order and type (Linear or Non-Linear) of a given ordinary differential equation (DE) and solve
it by an appropriate solution technique.
2. Solve first and second order linear difference equations.
3. Demonstrate the application of each of the methods of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters
and Laplace Transforms by solving ordinary DEs or systems of ordinary DEs.
4. a. Develop and solve an appropriate first or second order DE (or system of DEs) that models each of the
following one-dimensional dynamic systems encountered in engineering: mechanical vibrations, electrical
circuits and mixing problems. b. Interpret these mathematical models by specifying assumptions and
limitations, and articulating why the models provide a reasonable characterization of the system.
5. Use Euler’s and Runge-Kutta (4th order) numerical methods to approximate the solution of a first order
differential equation with initial condition.
6. Apply the Method of Separation of Variables technique for solving linear second order partial differential
equations (PDE) to create two ordinary differential equations from a given second order linear PDE.

Computer Usage: In addition to internet access to view the videos, some problems on the homework assignments
require use of a computer algebra system (CAS) or Excel. These applied problems are related to selected topics and
require submission of graphical and/or numerical results in addition to written solutions.

Evaluation:
Tests – 60%, Quizzes - 5%, Homework/Pre-class problems - 10%, and Final Examination - 25%

Grading Scale (%):

100≥A+≥97>A≥93>A- ≥90>B+ ≥87>B≥83>B-≥80>C+≥75>C≥65>C-≥60
60> D≥55>F

Estimated ABET Category Content: Mathematics: 2 credits or 100%

 ENGR 205 FALL SEMESTER 2020
COURSE OVERVIEW

TEXT: Fundamentals of DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (Ninth Edition) by Nagle, Saff &

Snider

MATERIAL Sections 1.1, 1.3-1.4, 2.2-2.6, 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, 4.1-4.6, 4.9-4.10, 5.2-5.3, 5.7, 6.1-6.3, 7.2-
COVERED: 7.9, 10.2, 10.4 and supplemental material on finite differences have been divided into
5 units. Unit material is located in Blackboard.

EXAMS: The exams will be closed book, closed notes without calculators or computers and they
will test unit objectives. IT IS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO TAKE ALL EXAMS
EVEN IF YOU FEEL “UNPREPARED”!! At the conclusion of the semester, you
will have the option of replacing your lowest exam score with the score earned on your
Final Exam.

QUIZZES: There will be quizzes each week on the content as shown in each unit’s weekly schedule
found in Blackboard. The lowest quiz score(s) will be dropped.

HOMEWORK: Each unit has 3 sets of homework with PRE-CLASS and POST-CLASS problems that
must be worked using in MML or using the format template provided in the
“Assignments” section in Blackboard. Homework submitted via Blackboard must be
submitted as a PDF. POST-CLASS homework is due Sunday by 11PM and PRE-
CLASS homework is due 9 AM on Tuesdays/Thursdays. No late Blackboard
homework is accepted. Exceptions are documented illness or documented university
travel.

HELP SESSIONS: You can also take advantage of the weekly Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions
(large group tutoring). PAL leaders will post information in Blackboard. If you need
additional help, many other tutoring options are available through REACH
(https://reach.louisville.edu/tutoring/).

FINAL EXAM: A final exam will be given on Monday, December 7 (8-10:30 AM). NO
EXCEPTIONS. This will be remote, and will follow the remote testing procedures
in this syllabus.

FINAL GRADE: The minimum numerical average and grade on the final exam (both are needed)
required to earn the indicated letter grade will be no higher than what is listed below
(for the course).
Letter Grade Quality Pts. Average* Final
A+ 4.0 97% 95%
A 4.0 93% 85%
A- 3.7 90% 82%
B+ 3.3 87% 75%
B 3.0 83% 72%
B- 2.7 80% 70%
C+ 2.3 75% 65%
C 2.0 65% 60%
C- 1.7 60% 55%
D 1.0 55% 50%

*Weighted Numerical Average = (0.60)(Exam Average) + (0.05)(Quiz) + (0.10)(Homework) + (0.25)(Final

Exam).
 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (Please Read Carefully)
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS
As a Community of Care, all Cardinals are expected to abide by public health guidelines and regulations as
published by the University. For Fall 2020, this includes:
1) wearing of cloth/paper masks (covering nose and mouth) when in shared indoor spaces like classrooms, or
when appropriate physical distancing cannot be maintained. (Per the code of student conduct--revised July
2020--a student who refuses to follow these guidelines may be asked to leave a classroom)
2) staying home when sick—any UofL community member experiencing fever, consistent dry cough, or
other symptoms of contagious disease should remain at home until symptoms subside or advised that it
is safe to return by a medical professional.
3) practicing good hygiene and responsibility for one’s own surrounding.
a. Cover sneezes and coughs
b. Wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, use hand sanitizer when soap and water
are not available
c. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces
d. Maintain 6 feet physical distancing when possible
Faculty have the responsibility to help students meet these recommendations by:
1) allowing for remote participation in class
2) allowing students absent for reason of illness to make up missed work and not penalize students for
these absences
3) not requiring doctor’s notes for absences of less than the equivalent of two weeks of class. If the
absences occur on the day of a scheduled assessment, the student may be asked to provide
documentation for the absence
4) Notifying physical plant when classrooms are not adequately stocked with cleaning supplies and
arranging classroom furniture or seating charts to maximize physical distancing where possible.
CONTINGENCY PLANS
In the event that UofL transitions to all remote classes, the schedule will be the same, but all in-person classes
will cease. All testing will become remote. If your teacher becomes ill, one of the other teachers will manage
your class. Relevant communication will always be via email. Check your email regularly!!
COURSE CONTENT
The material is divided into 5 units with detailed objectives, homework assignments and one exam for each unit and
a comprehensive final exam. A unit will take approximately 2.5 weeks to cover with Blackboard and MyMathLab
(MML) homework assignments due Sunday at 11 PM and PRE-CLASS homework assignments due at 9 AM
Tuesday/Thursday as listed in the detailed schedule at the end of this syllabus. Content will be delivered via videos
based on each objective; homework problems are associated with each objective and will be assigned using the
assignment feature in Blackboard and through MML. The videos will be assigned via MML. If the videos are not
available for any reason, email your instructor immediately. Keeping up with the schedule will require self-
discipline. You must watch the videos as scheduled and submit homework by the required time.
COURSE CONTENT DELIVERY
This semester, all content is delivered via videos that you access through MyMathLab. The videos deliver the
content much like a face-face lecture. The videos are embedded in the MyMathLab Pre-Class problems that
are due before each class. These videos are a pre-requisite to accessing the Pre-Class problems AND you
must score at least a 70% on the Pre-Class problems in order to access the homework. Watch them carefully
and take your own notes to aid your understanding of the objective being taught. It is highly recommended that
you try re-working the video examples on your own before attempting the associated MML pre-class homework.
The course notes that accompany the video lectures can be found in Blackboard.
Any modern browser should be able to show the video without problems. Be diligent in completing the video
lessons and homework as assigned. Falling behind has serious consequences.
CLASS MEETINGS
Due to the hybrid classes necessitated by social distancing, you will be able to physically attend only a half hour
of class every Tuesday and Thursday. Your teacher will reinforce unit objectives you will have already learned
from the videos to that point and to answer questions and clear up misconceptions you may have after viewing
the associated videos. The time you are to come will be communicated to you via email by August 19.

COMMUNICATION
All individual meetings with your instructor will be virtual or by phone (no in-person contact). Virtual office
hours are through Blackboard Collaborate. You and your teacher can access this for virtual meetings. Email your
teacher to select a mutually convenient time.

EXAMS (Hybrid and Remote –see below)

The Unit Objectives describe what we expect you to be able to do after studying the material of a given unit. The
exams will test the current Unit Objectives only. If you are confident about all (not just “most”) unit objectives,
you should do well on these exams.
Students attending the in-person classes are required to take the exams in person as well. If extenuating
circumstances result in a need to switch to fully-remote during the semester, written correspondence with your
instructor MUST be done PRIOR to doing so. However, please do not come sick. Email your teacher
immediately if you are ill. We excuse absences for illness. Locations for the exams will be confirmed via email;
do not assume the listing in the online schedule is accurate.

REMOTE TESTING
EXAMS ACCESSED REMOTELY will be through Blackboard (using Respondus Lockdown Browser
with webcam monitoring) at 9:30 AM Eastern Time according to our schedule. It is imperative that you
have a working webcam with microphone to take the exams. The exams will be timed and you will only be
allowed one attempt. The remote exams will be posted on Blackboard under the “Remote Exams” tab.
Contact your instructor immediately if you have concerns about this requirement.
You will need blank answer sheets on which to work your exam problems. These answer sheets will be made
available to you in Blackboard no less than 24 hours before each exam. It is your responsibility to have the blank
answer sheet printed and with you at the start of the exam. If you do not have access to a printer, you can use
blank, white, 8.5 x 11 inch printer paper and make the answer sheet. IT MUST MATCH the answer sheet
provided in wording and SPACING for each problem (including any drawn lines!) as closely as possible as this
answer sheet is the template for Gradescope and the grading of each problem. Be sure to use the darkest possible
pencil for taking exams. Your work needs to be highly visible and as NEAT as possible.
Even if you took remote exams last semester, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!
The necessary steps that you must follow for taking exams remotely are:
1. Respondus will require you to show your surrounding work area (360 degrees) and then position
your computer to take the exam far enough away from you so that your workspace (where you will
be writing) and your face are all in the camera’s view. This may mean that you will have to lean into
the computer to see the questions, but we must be able to see your face and hands during the entire
exam. Next, show your cell phone being placed face side down away from where you are working.
2. Clearly show your blank answer sheets to the camera for 3 seconds. This must be done for the front
and back of all pages.
3. Take the exam being careful to show all your worked steps. Exams are not graded solely on the
correct answer, but are graded according to the knowledge shown in working through a problem
(i.e. your thought process).
4. Exams will be available at 9:30 AM in Blackboard. It is your responsibility to watch your time.
You will have 5 minutes to upload them to Gradescope (steps 5 and 6) and the exam must be in
Gradescope by 10:50 AM before it is considered late. If you have technical problems, email us
immediately, otherwise, late exams will receive a ZERO.
 5. Scan the completed work for each exam into a single PDF using an app. For iOS phones, it is
recommended that you use “Scannable” by Evernote. For other phones, you can use “Genius Scan”
or another scanning app that produces high-quality PDFs. Try to be aware of any shadows that
may be covering your solutions as this could impair legibility. After you have a PDF, save it to your
phone.
6. Your next and immediate step is to upload your PDFs to Gradescope. We will grade your exams in
Gradescope. When the grading is complete, you will receive an email letting you access your graded
exam.

For Problems with Respondus, contact IT Helpdesk at 852-7997 or

http://louisville.edu/its/get-help/its-helpdesk

GRADESCOPE
Gradescope (https://www.gradescope.com/) is an online grading system that will be used to grade the exams,
whether taken in person or remotely. When your instructor enrolls you in the Gradescope course associated
with this class, you will receive an email to your university email account informing you that you have been added
to the course and providing you instructions regarding login. Note that your login id is your university email
account ulink@louisville.edu (i.e. name01@louisville.edu).
For every test, you are to submit a single PDF of the exam to Gradescope. If taking the exam in person,
you will do this using your phone, following steps 5 and 6 of the remote testing procedure described above.
You will be able to view your work and the associated scoring on the exam in Gradescope. Any requests for
regrades must be submitted through Gradescope on a per question basis.

QUIZZES
A short quiz will be due at 11 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in MyMathLab that will cover the video content.
Only one attempt will be given, and each quiz will have a time limit.

HOMEWORK
Homework problems are associated with each objective and will be assigned using the assignment feature in
Blackboard and MyMathLab. A unit will take approximately 2.5 weeks with POST-CLASS homework
assignments due Sunday at 11 PM and PRE-CLASS homework due at 9 AM on Tuesdays/Thursdays as listed in
the detailed schedule at the end of this syllabus. Homework files submitted to Blackboard should be uploaded under
the designated assignment; paper copies will not be accepted. Blackboard homework should be completed
electronically and uploaded as a PDF. See Blackboard for detailed formatting requirements.

COMPUTER USAGE AGREEMENT

All students are expected to obey all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and comply with University
policies regarding appropriate use of information technology resources.

TITLE IX/CLERY ACT NOTIFICATION

Sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and any other nonconsensual behavior of a sexual
nature) and sex discrimination violate University policies. Students experiencing such behavior may obtain
confidential support from the PEACC Program (852-2663), Counseling Center (852-6585), and Campus Health
Services (852-6479). To report sexual misconduct or sex discrimination, contact the Dean of Students (852-5787)
or University of Louisville Police (852-6111).

Disclosure to University faculty or instructors of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or sex
discrimination occurring on campus, in a University-sponsored program, or involving a campus visitor or University
student or employee (whether current or former) is not confidential under Title IX. Faculty and instructors must
forward such reports, including names and circumstances, to the University’s Title IX officer.

For more information, see http://louisville.edu/hr/employeerelations/sexual-misconduct-brochure.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Students are encouraged to work together and learn from each other. However, cheating in any form will not be
tolerated. Refer to the Speed School Academic Integrity Policy located at:
https://louisville.edu/speed/academics/academicDishonesty
Specifically, it is important to learn the sequence of engineering mathematics courses well, not just for subsequent
courses, but also because the concepts form the basis for numerous engineering applications. To encourage you
to learn the material, we will attempt to design the tests so that those who conscientiously watch the videos and
do the assigned reading and homework will be rewarded with good exam grades. On the other hand, we intend
to be extremely intolerant of cheating. First Offense: You will receive a zero on that test or readiness check and
lose all privileges to drop any test or readiness grades, and it will be reported to Dean Gail DePuy, Associate
Dean for Academic Affairs. Second Offense: You will receive an F in the course. As discussed under homework,
homework solutions should not be copied from other classmates, but genuine collaboration is encouraged.

We recognize that remote learning with only online proctoring makes it tempting to use outside help during the
exam. That is not fair to you, or your classmates. Nothing is more important than your integrity. We have
designed our assessment process to promote academic integrity by requiring the lockdown browser and webcam.
Make sure to follow all the instructions. While we understand the temptation, we will hold you accountable for
your actions. We will be intolerant of cheating and we will enforce consequences for violations of academic
integrity.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The University of Louisville is committed to equal opportunity for all academically qualified students and does not
discriminate based on disability. The mission of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) is to coordinate services that
ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to take full advantage of the University's educational, social,
and cultural opportunities. For more information, please visit the Disability Resource Center, Belknap Campus,
Stevenson Hall, Louisville, KY 40292; (502) 852-6938, (502) 852-0924 fax or http://louisville.edu/disability.
If you need accommodations because of a disability, please communicate this to your instructor by phone or email
no later than the first week of class.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
Communications will be sent to your official university email address. It is your responsibility to check your
University mailbox on a regular basis or have your messages forwarded to your preferred account. When sending
an email to the instructor, please put “ENGR 205-01” in the subject line.

Be certain that you can log into https://blackboard.louisville.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp . A fast Internet

connection is important when uploading or downloading documents. If you do not have a fast connection, good
options are to go to a public library’s computer lab (often they have free wireless broadband for your laptop.) If you
are in the Louisville area, you are welcome to come to campus and use computers in the library or one of the student
computer labs.

Computer Issues and IT Support: Speed IT staff are available by appointment from 9 am to 4 pm to assist you
with your technology needs. You may schedule an appointment by sending a detailed email including any relevant
error codes and screen snips at SPDHelp@Louisville.edu (preferred) or 502-852-7620.

Differential Equations for Engineering
FALL 2020 Schedule
DATE
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Sunday, November 8, 2020
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Monday, December 7, 2020
*** Last Day to Withdraw is Friday, October 16th ***
This schedule is subject to revision because of cancellations due to weather or other unforeseen events.
ENGR 205
CONTENT / EXAM
Introduction
Unit 1A (Pre-Class 1A Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Homework Unit 1A Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 1B (Pre-Class 1B Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Unit 1C (Pre-Class 1C Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Homework 1B & 1C Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 1 Review
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2A (Pre-Class 2A Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Unit 2B (Pre-Class 2B Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Homework 2A & 2B Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 2C (Pre-Class 2C Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Unit 2 Review
Homework Unit 2C Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3A (Pre-Class 3A Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Homework 3A Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 3B (Pre-Class 3B Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Unit 3C (Pre-Class 3C Problems due at 9:00 AM)
***FALL BREAK***
Unit 3 Review
Homework Unit 3B & 3C Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4A (Pre-Class 4A Videos due at 9:00 AM)
Homework Unit 4A Due at 11PM (No MML, Only BB)
Unit 4B (Pre-Class 4B Videos due at 9:00 AM)
Unit 4C (Pre-Class 4C Videos due at 9:00 AM)
Homework Unit 4B & 4C Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 4 REVIEW
Unit 4 Exam
***ELECTION DAY***
Unit 5A (Pre-Class Problems due at 9:00 AM)
Homework Unit 5A Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 5B (Pre-Class 5B Videos due at 9:00 AM)
Unit 5C (Pre-Class 5C Videos due at 9:00 AM)
Homework Unit 5B & 5C Due at 11PM (Both MML & BB)
Unit 5 REVIEW
Unit 5 Exam
Final Review
***HOLIDAY***
******* REMOTE FINAL EXAM: 8 - 10:30 AM *******