Logistics

Line number:	88417
Time:	MWF 10:45-11:35
Location:	LL 275
Textbook:	Ordinary Differential Equations: Introduction and Qualitative Theory by Jane Cronin, 3rd ed., 2007.
Instructor:	Matthias Kawski
Contact info:	e-mail:	kawski@asu.edu (preferred)
	office locations:	PSA 211 and Goldwater Center 354
	office hours:	Mon and Fri 11:50 - 12:40 in PSA 211, Thu 11:00- 11:50 in GWC 354 by appointment
	office phone:	(480) 965 3376 (very unreliable)
	home phone:	(480) 893 0107 (for emergencies)

Content, goals and objectives
Course description from the Catalog

APM 501 Differential Equations I.(3) fall Linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Existence and uniqueness of solutions, limit sets, stability, Lyapunov functions, linear systems with constant coefficients. Geometry of behavior in two and three dimensions, including Poincare-Bendixson theorem, Lorenz equations, linearization, sensitive dependence on initial conditions, bifurcations. Prerequisites: none published

While there are no formal rerequisites published in the catalog, the understanding is that this is a graduate coourse, and students are asssumed to have proficiency in the content of undergraduate courses at the levels of MAT 371 Advanced Calculus, MAT 342 Linear Algebra, and MAT 274 First Course in DE.

This first graduate level course on ordinary differential equations develops the foundations that are required across a broad spectrum of more specialized applications. The focus is on classical common core concepts. Students shall acquire knowledge needed to succeed in APM 502, in more specialized follow-on courses, and begin research and thesis work in topics that involve differential equations in a broad sense.

Daily routine

General expectations and policies

Students are expected to actively participate in classc. Depending on the specific topic, students may be expected to read ahead, begin working the first exercises, before the topic is addressed in class. Do not expect that the contents of the textbook are copied to the blackboard. Rather class-time should be primarily devoted to thorough discussion of the more intricate points, inclusing regular presentation by students.

Grading policies

The course grade will be based on contributions in class, written homework, a (almost practice) midterm exam, and a written final exam, the latter playing a decisive role for earning a grade of A.
While the APM Ph.D. program does not require passing formal written qualifier exams, mastery of the core courses, which include APM 501 serves as testimony that the student is qualified to advance in the APM Ph.D. program.