Fall 2019

MATHEMATICS 305 – Differential Equations II

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University
Instructor: Dr. C. McCluskey Office: LH3035
Email: cmccluskey@wlu.ca Office Hours: to be determined
ccmcc8@gmail.com

Lectures: Tuesday, Thursday 11:30 - 12:50 pm in P115

Useful Reference: This book is a good reference for the course, but it is not required.
Fundamentals of Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 7th edition
by Nagle, Saff and Snider - an older edition is likely fine too.

Topics to be covered:
Numerical solutions of differential equations - Euler’s method, improved Euler’s method,
Runge-Kutta
Linear systems of difference equations - stability
Linear systems of differential equations - stability, Jordan canonical forms, matrix exponential
Nonlinear systems of differential equations - equilibria, stability, linearization
Boundary value problems

Learning Outcomes:
Students will acquire an understanding of
- basic methods for numerically approximating solutions to differential equations
- how to analyze linear difference equations and linear differential equations
- the implications of linearity
- stability of equilibria of nonlinear differential equations
- eigenvalue problems that arise in boundary value problems.

Evaluation: Assignments 20%

Midterm 30% during class time on October 24 in BA110
Final Exam (2.5 hours) 50%
The final mark will be converted to a letter grade in accordance with the conversion table of the
2019/2020 Undergraduate Academic Calendar available online.

Appeals: Students have one week after the material has been returned in class to appeal their marks.
After that time, no marks will be changed.

All important communications will be posted in MyLearningSpace (MyLS).

It is your responsibility to check MyLS regularly.
General Notes:

Students are expected to be aware of and abide by all University regulations and policies, as
outlined in the current Academic Calendar. In particular,

1. Final Examinations
Students must reserve the examination period of December 7-20, 2019. If you are considering
registering for a special examination or event, you should select a time outside the examination
period. Consult Academic Regulations in the Academic Calendar for special circumstances for
examination deferment.

2. Special Needs
Students with disabilities or special needs are advised to contact Laurier’s Accessible Learning
Centre for information regarding its services and resources. Students are encouraged to review
the Academic Calendar for information regarding all services available on campus.

3. Academic Integrity/Misconduct (cheating, plagiarism)

The University has a defined policy with respect to academic misconduct; penalties are severe
and enforced at all times. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with this policy and
accompanying penalty guidelines, and are cautioned that, in addition to failure in a course,
students may be suspended or expelled from the University for academic misconduct, and the
offence may appear on their transcripts. The relevant policy can be found at Laurier's academic
integrity website along with resources to educate and support you in upholding a culture of
integrity. Ignorance of Laurier’s academic misconduct policy is not a defence.

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, transmission or reception of information, or
possession of unauthorized information, during laboratories, quizzes, tests, or examinations.
Academic misconduct also includes plagiarism. Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can
check for plagiarism. If requested to do so by the instructor, students are required to submit their
written work in electronic form and have it checked for plagiarism. WLU Policy 12.2 Student
Code of Conduct and Discipline provides information on academic and research misconduct
code, and the procedures for investigating and determining appropriate disciplinary measures for
breaches of this Code.

4. Classroom Use of Electronic Devices

The use of electronic devices in the classroom is governed by WLU Policy 9.3: Classroom Use
of Electronic Devices. Details of this Policy and the consequences of breaches are stated in the
Academic Calendar.

Mobile devices, specifically laptops and tablets, may be used in class only for educational
(learning) purposes directly related to the course. Those who choose to use such devices for
reasons other than accessibility may be asked to sit at the back of the room. Use of other mobile
devices is not permitted in class. Off-task use of mobile devices, such as facebook or texting, is
prohibited. Students who fail to comply with this policy may be asked to stow their devices at
the front of the classroom, or to leave the classroom.
5. Multi-campus Resource
• Good2Talk is a postsecondary school helpline that provides free, professional and
confidential counselling support for students in Ontario. Call 1-866-925-5454 or through
2-1-1. Available 24-7.

Kitchener/Waterloo Resources
• Waterloo Student Food Bank: All students are eligible to use this service to ensure
they’re eating healthy when overwhelmed, stressed or financially strained. Anonymously
request a package online 24-7. All dietary restrictions accommodated.

• Waterloo Foot Patrol: 519.886.FOOT (3668). A volunteer operated safe-walk program,

available Fall and Winter daily from 6:30 pm to 3 am. Teams of two are assigned to
escort students to and from campus by foot or by van.

• Waterloo Student Wellness Centre: 519-884-0710, x3146. The Centre supports the
physical, emotional, and mental health needs of students. Located on the 2nd floor of the
Student Services Building, booked and same-day appointments are available Mondays
and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from
8:30 am to 4:15 pm. Contact the Centre at x3146, wellness@wlu.ca or
@LaurierWellness. After hours crisis support available 24/7. Call 1-844-437-3247 (Here
24/7).

Course Drop Dates Fall 2019

September 11: Last day to drop/withdraw from 12-week course(s) at no tuition charge (provided
the student remains registered in at least one course).

September 18: Last day to drop/withdraw from 12-week course(s) at 10% tuition charge
(assessed at course rate).

November 6: Last day to drop 12-week course(s) or withdraw without failure and possible
tuition adjustment (tuition charge assessed at 55% of the course rate).