Administrative - Master Syllabus

COVER SHEET

Purpose: It is the intention of this Administrative-Master Syllabus to provide a general description of the course, outline the
required elements of the course and to lay the foundation for course assessment for the improvement of student learning, as
specified by the faculty of Wharton County Junior College, regardless of who teaches the course, the timeframe by which it is
instructed, or the instructional method by which the course is delivered. It is not intended to restrict the manner by which an
individual faculty member teaches the course but to be an administrative tool to aid in the improvement of instruction.

Course Title – Differential Equations

Course Prefix and Number – MATH 2320

Department - MATH Division – Math and Science
Course Type: (check one)
Academic General Education Course (from ACGM – but not in WCJC Core)
Academic WCJC Core Course
WECM course (This course is a Special Topics or Unique Needs Course: Y or N )

Semester Credit Hours #: Lecture hours #: Lab/other hours # 3:3:0 List Lab/
Other Hours
Equated Pay hours for course - 3 Lab Hours
0
Clinical Hours
Course Catalog Description – Ordinary differential equations, including linear equations, 0
systems of equations, equations with variable coefficients, existence and uniqueness of Practicum Hours
solutions, series solutions, singular points, transform methods, and boundary value problems; 0
application of differential equations to real-world problems. Other (list)
0
Prerequisites/Co-requisites – TSI satisfied in math, MATH 2414--Calculus II

Type: ACAD

Prepared by Dale Neaderhouser Date 8-24-13

Reviewed by department head Dale Neaderhouser Date 8-24-13

Accuracy verified by Division Chair Kevin Dees Date 8-24-13

Approved by Dean of or Vice President of Instruction gghunt Date 8-24-13

Administrative-Master Syllabus
revised April 2013 Page 1 of 4
I. Topical Outline – Each offering of this course must include the following topics (be sure to include
information regarding lab, practicum, and clinical or other non-lecture instruction):
A. Definitions, Elimination of Arbitrary Constants (2 Lessons – Chapter1)
1. Parameters
2. Families of Curves

B. Equations of Order One (5 Lessons – Chapter2)

1. The isoclines of an equation
2. Separation of variables
3. Homogeneous functions
4. Equations with homogeneous coefficients
5. Exact equations
6. The linear equation of order one
7. The general solution of a linear equation

C. Elementary Applications (2 Lessons – Chapter3)

1. Velocity of escape from earth
2. Newton’s Law of Cooling
3. Simple Chemical Conversion
4. Orthogonal trajectories

D. Additional Topics on Equations of Order One (5 Lessons – Chapter4)

1. Integrating factors by inspection
2. Determination of integrating factors
3. Simple substitutions
4. Coefficients linear in two variables
5. Solutions of non-elementary integrals

E. Linear Differential Equations (5 Lessons – Chapter5)

1. The general linear equation
2. Linear independence
3. The Wronskian
4. General solution of a homogeneous equation
5. General solution of a nonhomogeneous equation
6. Differential operators
7. Properties of Differential Operators

F. Linear Equations with Constant Coefficients (4 Lessons – Chapter6)

1. The auxiliary equation
a. Distinct roots
b. Repeated roots
c. Imaginary roots

G. Nonhomogeneous Equations: Undetermined Coefficients (5 Lessons – Chapter7)

1. Construction of a homogeneous equation from a specified solution
2. Solution of a nonhomogeneous equation
3. The method of undetermined coefficients
4. Solution by inspection

H. Variation of Parameters (3 Lessons – Chapter8)

1. Reduction of Order
2. The inverse operator

I. Inverse Differential Operators (2 Lessons – Chapter 9)

1. The exponential shift
2. The inverse operator
Administrative-Master Syllabus
revised April 2013 Page 2 of 4
 J. The Laplace Transform (3 Lessons – Chapter 10)
1. Definition of the Laplace Transform
2. Transforms of elementary functions
3. Transforming initial value problems
4. Transforms procedures

II. Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Identify homogeneous equations, homogeneous equations with constant coefficients, and exact
and linear differential equations.
2. Solve ordinary differential equations and systems of equations using:
a) Direct integration
b) Separation of variables
c) Reduction of order
d) Methods of undetermined coefficients and variation of parameters
e) Series solutions
f) Operator methods for finding particular solutions
g) Laplace transform methods
3. Determine particular solutions to differential equations with given boundary conditions or
initial conditions.
4. Analyze real-world problems in fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering,
and Physics, including problems related to population dynamics, mixtures, growth and decay,
heating and cooling, electronic circuits, and Newtonian mechanics
5. Being given a relation between two or more variables, come to a differential equation
consistent with the original relation.
6. Be able to plot the family of curves represented by an equation with a parameter.
7. Use the method of isoclines to sketch some of the solution curves for equations such as:
dy=x2+y2, dx
8. Be able to recognize and solve equations whose variables are separable.
9. Be able to write the formal definition of homogeneity as applied to equations.
10. Be able to recognize and solve homogeneous equations.
11. Be able to test an equation for exactness.
12. Demonstrate the ability to solve an exact equation.
13. Be able to give an example of a linear equation of order one.
14. Be able to find the integrating factor and solve a linear equation of order one.
15. Demonstrate the ability to find the general solution of a linear equation.
16. Be able to solve simple problems pertaining to Newton’s Law of Cooling, Simple Chemical
Conversion, Orthogonal Trajectories and Polar Coordinates.
17. Solve equations that are simple enough to find integrating factors by inspection.
18. Use formal procedures for the determination of integrating factors.
19. Be able to recognize and solve certain differential equations that can be simplified and solved
by substitution procedures.
20. Be able to recognize and solve Bemoulli’s equation.
21. Solve equations whose coefficients are linear in two variables.
22. Solve equations involving non-elementary integrals.
23. Find the general solution of a nonhomogeneous equation.
24. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the fundamental laws of differential operators.
25. Solve linear equations with constant coefficients.
26. Construct a homogeneous equation from a specified solution.
27. Solve differential equations by the method of reduction of order.
28. Solve nonhomogeneous equations by variation of parameters.
29. Use the exponential shift and inverse operators to solve differential equations.
Administrative-Master Syllabus
revised April 2013 Page 3 of 4
Assessment Methods:

Outcomes assessed by:

Hour exams
Final
Short Answer
Discussion Board

III. Required Text(s), Optional Text(s) and/or Materials to be Supplied by Student.

A Short Course in Differential Equations, 8th Edition

Earl D. Rainville
Published by Prentice Hall

IV. Suggested Course Maximum - 35

V. List any specific spatial or physical requirements beyond a typical classroom required to teach the
course.
Students must have computer access to the WCJC website, their WCJC student email and online
accounts. WCJC has open computer labs, with internet access, on all campuses for students to use.

VI. Course Requirements/Grading System – Describe any course specific requirements such as
research papers or reading assignments and the generalized grading format for the course

A. Several 50-Minute Closed-book Examinations

B. Final Examination
C. Class Participation
D. Semester Grade
1. Final Examination approximately 20%
2. Other work approximately 80%

A= 90-100 B= 80-89 C= 70-79 D= 60-69 F= 59 and below

VII. Curriculum Checklist

- Academic General Education Course (from ACGM – but not in WCJC Core)
No additional documentation needed

- Academic WCJC Core Course

Attach the Core Curriculum Review Forms
• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Empirical & Quantitative Skills
• Teamwork
• Social Responsibility
• Personal Responsibility

- WECM Courses
If needed, revise the Program SCANS Matrix & Competencies Checklist.

Administrative-Master Syllabus
revised April 2013 Page 4 of 4
 Core Curriculum Review Form
Foundational Component Area: Mathematics Course Prefix & Suffix: Math 2320

Core Objective: Critical Thinking Skills—to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of
information
Student Learning Outcome supporting core objective: For each core objective, there must be at least two different methods of assessment.
SLO Status Student Learning Outcome (SLO) Learning Activity Assessment
Provide a brief name and description of the Provide a brief name and
The SLO is: Insert SLO (from Administrative Master Syllabi (AMS))
sample learning activity: description of the sample quiz,
below
exam, rubric, assignment, etc. for
assessing the objective:

Existing
Identify homogeneous equations, homogeneous equations A word problem (application) where the A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
with constant coefficients, and exact student must identify variables, assemble the artifact showing the student’s
New
State and linear differential equations. (AMS SLO #1) correct formulas and solve for the desired written answer. Grading for
result. Including a brief paragraph explaining correctness and the rubric for
Mandated
what was done. critical thinking will assess this.
Existing
Solve ordinary differential equations and systems of A written paragraph explaining the steps one A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
New equations using separation of variables. (AMS SLO takes to find the solution. artifact showing the student’s
#2b) written answer. Grading for
State
correctness and the rubric for
Mandated
critical thinking will assess this.
Existing
Determine particular solutions to differential equations Have the student grade an incorrect problem. A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
with given boundary conditions or The student should write a brief paragraph artifact showing the student’s
New
State initial conditions. (AMS SLO #3) stating what was done incorrectly and what written answer. Grading for
must be done to correct the solution. correctness and the rubric for
Mandated
critical thinking will assess this.

Department Head: ___Dale Neaderhouser___________________________ Date: ____8-24-13__________

WCJC Core Curriculum Review Form-Mathematics (April 2013) Page 1
(Modified from Collin College)
 Core Curriculum Review Form
Foundational Component Area: Mathematics Course Prefix & Suffix: Math 2320

Core Objective: Communication Skills—to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written,
oral and visual communication
Student Learning Outcome supporting core objective: For each core objective, there must be at least two different methods of assessment.
SLO Status Student Learning Outcome (SLO) Learning Activity Assessment
Provide a brief name and description of the Provide a brief name and
The SLO is: Insert SLO (from Administrative Master Syllabi (AMS))
sample learning activity: description of the sample quiz,
below
exam, rubric, assignment, etc. for
assessing the objective:

Existing
Identify homogeneous equations, homogeneous equations A word problem (application) where the A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
with constant coefficients, and exact student must identify variables, assemble the artifact showing the student’s
New
State and linear differential equations. (AMS SLO #1) correct formulas and solve for the desired written answer. Grading for
result. Including a brief paragraph explaining correctness and the rubric for
Mandated
what was done. communication will assess this.
Existing
Solve ordinary differential equations and systems of A written paragraph explaining the steps one A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
New equations using separation of variables. (AMS SLO takes to find the solution. artifact showing the student’s
#2b) written answer. Grading for
State
correctness and the rubric for
Mandated
communication will assess this.
Existing
Determine particular solutions to differential equations Have the student grade an incorrect problem. A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
with given boundary conditions or The student should write a brief paragraph artifact showing the student’s
New
State initial conditions. (AMS SLO #3) stating what was done incorrectly and what written answer. Grading for
must be done to correct the solution. correctness and the rubric for
Mandated
communication will assess this.

Department Head: ___Dale Neaderhouser___________________________ Date: ____8-24-13__________

WCJC Core Curriculum Review Form-Mathematics (April 2013) Page 2
(Modified from Collin College)
 Core Curriculum Review Form
Foundational Component Area: Mathematics Course Prefix & Suffix: Math 2320

Core Objective: Empirical and Quantitative Skills—to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts
resulting in informed conclusions
Student Learning Outcome supporting core objective: For each core objective, there must be at least two different methods of assessment.
SLO Status Student Learning Outcome (SLO) Learning Activity Assessment
Provide a brief name and description of Provide a brief name and
The SLO is: Insert SLO (from Administrative Master Syllabi (AMS)) below
the sample learning activity: description of the sample quiz,
exam, rubric, assignment, etc. for
assessing the objective:

Existing
Determine particular solutions to differential equations with A problem where the student computes A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
given boundary conditions or the solution of a given boundary value artifact showing the student’s
New
State initial conditions. (AMS SLO #3) problem to the required significant written answer. Grading for
digits. correctness and the rubric for EQS
Mandated
will assess this.
Existing
Analyze real-world problems in fields such as Biology, A numerical application problem in A quiz, test or scanned artifact
Revised
Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, differential equations answered to the showing the student’s written
New
and Physics, including problems related to population dynamics, required significant digits. answer. Grading for correctness
State
mixtures, growth and decay, heating and cooling, electronic and the rubric for EQS will assess
Mandated
circuits, and Newtonian mechanics (AMS SLO #4) this.

Existing
Determine particular solutions to differential equations with Have the student grade an incorrect A quiz, test or discussion board
Revised
given boundary conditions or problem and show the correct work to artifact showing the student’s
New
State initial conditions. (AMS SLO #3) the required significant digits. written answer. Grading for
correctness and the rubric for EQS
Mandated
will assess this.

Department Head: ___Dale Neaderhouser___________________________ Date: ____8-24-13__________

WCJC Core Curriculum Review Form-Mathematics (April 2013) Page 3
(Modified from Collin College)