MTH3203 – Differential Equations I

COURSE CODE/NUMBER: MTH 3203

COURSE TITLE: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS I

CREDITS: 4

Course Description

This is the first of a two-course sequence in the study of differential equations and their
applications. For this first course, students are introduced to Ordinary Differential Equations
(ODE). The course presents students with three perspectives in studying mathematics. Firstly,
students are introduced to the theory and proofs, associated with pure mathematics, of topics in
differential equations. Secondly, students are given exposures in the applicability of this field of
study to real world experiences and situations. Thirdly, the computer laboratory component
allows students to use appropriate software to apply the concepts of the course to solving
problems with unknown analytical solutions by using numerical techniques.

Exemptions: None

Pre-Requisite: A.Sc., MTH2101 – Calculus II

Co-Requisite: MTH3202 – Numerical Methods

Follow-On Course: MTH4103 – Differential Equations II

Student Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Model arising real-world situations using differential equations.

2. Solve ordinary differential equations of various types.
3. Apply concepts of linear algebra to solving differential equations.
4. Apply series to solving ordinary differential equations.
5. Write computer algorithm for solving problems in differential equations.

Course Content

Introduction to Differential Equations

Definitions. Basic mathematical models. Direction fields. Classification of differential equations.
Notation. Solutions of Differential equations: general solutions and initial conditions.

First Order Differential Equations

Linear equations with constant coefficient. Linear equations with variable coefficient. Separable
equations. Autonomous equations. Exact equations. Integrating factors. Existence and
uniqueness of solutions. Difference equations. Non-linear equations. Modelling with first order
differential equations.

Second Order Linear Differential Equations

Homogeneous equations with constant coefficients: Characteristic Equations; distinct real roots;
complex roots; repeated roots. Linear Independence. The Wronskian function.
Nonhomogeneous equations: complementary functions, General solutions; method of
undetermined coefficients; variation of parameters. Reduction of order methods. Cauchy-Euler
equations. Modelling with second order linear differential equations.

Higher Order Linear Differential Equations

𝑛𝑡ℎ order linear differential equations. Homogenous equations with constant coefficients.
Undetermined coefficients. Variation of parameters. Modelling with higher order linear
differential equations.

Series Solutions to Second Order Linear Differential Equations

Ordinary points; series solutions near an ordinary point. Regular singular points; series solutions
near a regular singular point. Frobenius method. Euler equation. Bessel’s equation. Legendre
equation. Laguerre equation. Chebychev equation. Airy Equation.

Suggested Laboratory sessions

This course includes 10 one-hour lab sessions to cover the following techniques:
1. Review of MATLAB: syntax, algorithm, matrices, power series, sinusoids.
2. Taylor series method
3. Euler method. Improved Euler method.
4. Runge-Kutta method
5. Survey of other methods: Adams’, Milne’s, Multistep method.

Methods of Teaching

 Direct Instruction
 Laboratory demonstrations and experiments.
 Classroom Discussion
 Small Group Teaching (collaborative Learning)

The instructor will introduce new topics with a few carefully chosen problems discussed with the
whole class. The instructor will then develop the basic results in Differential equations as an
extension of the solutions already seen. Related problems will be assigned to small groups and
included in the assessment. Particular emphasis throughout the course will be on the applicability
of differential equations, small-group lab exercises, presentations of solutions to problems,
critical analysis by other class members, and searches for alternative solutions.
Methods of Assessment
Coursework (Two Tests-30%, Lab Project(s) - 10%) 40%

Final Exams (one 2-hour paper) 60%

Required Reading

Boyce, W. E., & DePrima, R. C. (2001). Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value
Problems (7 ed.). USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Karris, S. T. (2007). Numerical Analysis Using MATLAB and EXCEL (3 ed.). Orchard Publications.