Course Guide for Differential Equations: Math 304
Instructor's Information
• Name: Abimelech Paye Gbatu, PhD.
• Email: pagbatu@[Link]
• Phone: 0555-889-705 | 0778699355
• WhatsApp: +231-778-172-640
• Instructor's Office Hour(s): TuTh/2:00 pm - 4:00 pm or by appointment
Course Information
• Course Title: Differential Equations
• Course Number/Section: MATH 304-1
• Pre-requisite: MATH 202
• Course Teaching Schedule & Time: Tu-Th/10:05 am - 12:00 Noon
• Credit Hours: 4
• Practice Session: TBA
Course Description
This course introduces ordinary and partial differential equations with emphasis on methods of solution,
applications to real-life problems, and use of mathematical software where applicable. Topics include first-order
and higher-order equations, linear systems, Laplace transforms, series solutions, and selected applications in
science and engineering.
Objectives
1. To provide a solid foundation in the theory and methods of solving differential equations.
2. To develop problem-solving skills involving physical, chemical, and biological models.
3. To introduce Laplace transforms, series methods, and systems of differential equations.
4. To prepare students for advanced courses in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Solve first-order differential equations using standard techniques.
2. Solve higher-order linear equations with constant coefficients.
3. Apply Laplace transforms in solving linear initial value problems.
4. Use series expansions and special functions for solving differential equations.
5. Formulate and solve systems of linear differential equations.
6. Apply differential equations to problems in population dynamics, mechanics, and electrical circuits.
Course Outline
Week 1 – Introduction to Differential Equations
• Definition, order, and degree of DEs.
• Classification: linear vs. nonlinear, homogeneous vs. nonhomogeneous.
• Applications overview.
Week 2 – First-Order Differential Equations (Part I)
• Separable equations.
• Linear equations.
• Exact equations.
Week 3 – First-Order Differential Equations (Part II)
• Integrating factors.
• Bernoulli’s equation.
• Applications in population growth and radioactive decay.
Week 4 – Higher-Order Linear Differential Equations (Part I)
• Second-order homogeneous equations with constant coefficients.
• The characteristic equation.
• Real, repeated, and complex roots.
Week 5 – Higher-Order Linear Differential Equations (Part II)
• Nonhomogeneous equations.
• Method of undetermined coefficients.
• Variation of parameters.
Week 6 – Applications of Second-Order Differential Equations
• Mechanical vibrations (undamped, damped, forced).
• Electrical circuits.
Week 7 – Laplace Transforms (Part I)
• Definition and properties.
• Common Laplace transforms.
• Inverse Laplace transform.
Week 8 – Laplace Transforms (Part II)
• Solving initial value problems with Laplace transforms.
• Step functions and discontinuous forcing.
Week 9 – Systems of Differential Equations (Part I)
• Linear systems in matrix form.
• Eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
• Solutions of 2×2 systems.
Week 10 – Systems of Differential Equations (Part II)
• Phase plane analysis.
• Stability and equilibrium points.
• Applications in predator–prey models.
Week 11 – Power Series Solutions (Part I)
• Series solutions near an ordinary point.
• Recurrence relations.
Week 12 – Power Series Solutions (Part II)
• Singular points.
• Frobenius method.
• Bessel’s and Legendre’s equations (overview).
Week 13 – Partial Differential Equations (Introductory Topics)
• Separation of variables.
• Heat and wave equations (1D).
Week 14 – Student Presentations & Review
• Applications in science and engineering.
• Past exam questions discussion.
• Final exam preparation.
Assessment
• Continuous Assessment Before Mid-Term Exam:13%
i) Attend./Class-Part.: 3%
ii) Assignments/Presentation: 5%
iii) Test 1: 5%
• Continuous Assessment After Mid-Term Exam: 13 %
i) Attend./CP: 3%
ii) Assignment/Presentation/Test 2: 5%
iii) Project: 5%
• Mid-Term Exam: 30%
• Final Examination: 44%
📌 Generic Course/Class Rules
1. Attendance
• Students are expected to attend at least 75% of all classes to obtain final letter grade for the semester/.
• Absences must be communicated in advance and justified with valid reasons.
2. Punctuality
• Arrive on time. Late arrivals disrupt lectures and group activities.
• Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will be marked absent.
3. Classroom Conduct
• Respectful behavior is expected at all times.
• Mobile phones must be put on silent; no unrelated browsing or chatting during lectures.
• Active participation in discussions and problem-solving sessions is encouraged.
4. Examinations
• Students must adhere to university examination rules.
• Any form of cheating or malpractice will result in disciplinary action.
5. Communication
• Students are encouraged to use official communication channels (class group, instructor’s email, or
office hours) for questions.
• Respectful and professional communication is mandatory.
6. Learning Materials
• Students should come prepared with notebooks, textbooks, and calculators where required.
• Reading assigned materials before class is highly recommended.
• Lecture notes & information may be given via official class group App.
7. Group Work & Collaboration
• Collaboration is encouraged, but each student must demonstrate individual understanding.
• Group projects should reflect contributions from all members.
8. Grading Policy
• Continuous assessment (quizzes, assignments, mid-semester exams, class participation, etc.) will
contribute 60%.
• Final examination will contribute 40%.
9. Academic Integrity, Plagiarism & Discipline
• Academic honesty is mandatory. Dishonesty will not be tolerated.
• All assignments must be submitted on or before the deadline. Late submissions will attract a penalty
unless prior arrangements are made.
• All submitted work must be the student’s own.
• Plagiarism (copying from books, online sources, or peers without proper acknowledgment) is strictly
prohibited.
• Any plagiarized work will receive a grade of zero (0) and may be reported for disciplinary action.
• Proper referencing (APA, MLA, or instructor-specified style) must be used for all written assignments.
• Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and demonstrate independent thinking.
• Disruptive behavior may lead to removal from class.
References
1. Boyce, W. E. & DiPrima, R. C. (2017). Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value
Problems (10th Edition). Wiley.
2. Zill, D. G. (2018). A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications (11th Edition).
Cengage Learning.
3. Simmons, G. F. (2016). Differential Equations with Applications and Historical Notes (2nd Edition).
McGraw-Hill.
4. Kreyszig, E. (2011). Advanced Engineering Mathematics (10th Edition). Wiley.
5. Tenenbaum, M. & Pollard, H. (1985). Ordinary Differential Equations. Dover Publications.
6. Edwards, C. H. & Penney, D. E. (2015). Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems:
Computing and Modeling (5th Edition). Pearson.
7. Dawkins, P. (2024). Paul’s Online Math Notes: Differential Equations. Lamar University. Available at:
[Link]
