Math 78: Differential Equations (Spring 2025)
Instructor: Parran Vanniasegaram

Zill
Email Address: Sithparran.Vanniasegaram@evc.edu

Phone Number: (408) 529-5386

Course Time: MW 6:00 - 7:50 pm

Course Documents/Videos/Notes: Syllabus | Introduction | Calendar | HWK Submission Schedule | Videos | Paul's Online Notes | Sunday and Tuesday Night Office Hours

Course Description: The course is an introduction to ordinary differential equations including both quantitative and qualitative methods as well as applications from a variety of disciplines. It develops techniques and theories needed to solve ordinary differential equations and their applications, including methods for solving first-order differential equations, linear differential equations of higher orders, and systems of linear differential equations. Students are introduced to Laplace transforms, series solutions, and some theoretical aspects of differential equations such as existence and uniqueness of solutions, the phase plane, and stability of equilibrium solutions for autonomous equations.

Time Commitment: This course is only recommended for students who are willing to put in the time necessary to be successful. Students are expected to spend at least two hours studying outside of class for each hour in class. Each week, there are 4 hours of class time. That means that students are expected to spend at least 8 hours outside of class each week. In total, students will be spending at least 12 hours with the class (time outside of class + time inside of class)! Again, don't take the class unless you are willing to put in the necessary time. There are many young college students who are willing to work hard at math. Click here for an example of one.

Textbook: A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications, 11th Edition, Zill (ISBN-13: 978-1305965720) (we will be covering Chapters 1-7)

Differential Equations Textbook Recommendations:
Fundamentals of Differential Equations, 9th Edition (Nagle, Snaff, Snider) ISBN# 978-0321977069
Differential Equations: An Introduction to Modern Methods and Applications 3rd Edition (Brannan, Boyce) ISBN-13# 978-1118531778
Differential Equations, 4th Edition (Blanchard, Devaney, Hall) ISBN-13# 978-1133109037

Teacher Recommendations: UC Berkeley Admissions | Common App Form

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