Math 363 - Differential Equations

Fall Semester, 2006-2007

Go straight to the course syllabus.

A differential equation is an equation involving an unknown function and its derivatives. You have already encountered differential equations in calculus and perhaps in your physics courses. I may be a bit prejudiced, but I think that differential equations are one of the main reasons for studying calculus; in fact, I have even heard it said that differential equations are the raison d'etre for calculus.

Differential equations are important because they often arise when one expresses scientific principles in mathematical terms. Of course, differential equations can be studied in their own right, but it is their connection with real-world problems that makes them so important.

The above picture is a plot of the Lorenz attractor in three-dimensional phase space. We'll be spending a fair amount of time this semester in the phase plane and phase space. Here are two neat phase-plane plots. Following the pictures are a few particulars about the course.

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