Ordinary differential equation

[Fakesmile]

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I'm taking it because I heard it's useful. But I'm not sure if I have the right attitude and mindset to ace it and I don't know how to approach this course. I only did okay (not stellar) in previous math courses (a B+ in Calc 1 and Calc 3, and an A in Calc 2 and Linear Algebra). I looked around the lecture room and most people in it were math majors who probably did much better than me at the previous math courses. Since grades are curved, should I be worried? I'm thinking of using lecture notes as a guide to read relevant sections of the text and also do all the homework questions and any other related problems (only the ones I'm having trouble with) in the textbook. Will that work? I'm really desperate and I really need to get an A on the course. Thanks!

 

[neuro raqs]

This situation depends on a lot of things. I started out my sophomore year as a Biomedical engineering major and diff eqs was required. I decided on engineering after getting to college so I had no prior special preparation, like some of the other engineering majors in that class (Linear Algebra, etc.) but I did take multi. varialbe calc, did ok. The class was amazing, and the techer was fantastic. I thought the material was so interesting, i seriously considered being a math major. BUT, when it came to exams I was getting obliterated. The professor liked to not only teach us diff eqs, but also really advanced obscure math too, and he liked to have us prove things and generate new ideas on exams (not homework, exams). Between that and the other students who were math/engineering folk, I was way out of my depth. I got a C in the class (I suspect that the Prof. was being merciful too), and spent the rest of my undergrad bringing my gpa up.

My sob story would be the worst case senario. I found out that the professor who teaches the second semester class sticks to what he teaches you in class on exams and doesn't get to obscure, I think I could have done much better in that class. So if I were you, I would look it this class a lot, see what other people have to say about the professor, the curve, level of difficulty, and how people generally do in the class. I do think I benefited from the class, learning new ways to think about math and physics. However it was completely useless as far as being pre-med. I really wish now I had taken statistics instead.

 

[insane]

Only way through diff. eq. or most math classes for that part is to just practice.

 

[physicsnerd42]

Only way through diff. eq. or most math classes for that part is to just practice.

Agreed. Do lots of problems.

Honestly, though, ODEs are pretty easy to learn how to solve. I honestly thought that diff eq was easier than my calculus classes (as was linear algebra).

Now PDEs, on the other hand...

 

[insane]

Agreed. Do lots of problems.

Honestly, though, ODEs are pretty easy to learn how to solve. I honestly thought that diff eq was easier than my calculus classes (as was linear algebra).

Now PDEs, on the other hand...

PDEs are the works of satan, cast from the flames of mordor.

 

[physicsnerd42]

PDEs are the works of satan, cast from the flames of mordor.

QFT. I don't think I've ever heard them described more accurately. 😀 👍