# 320 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

Prerequisites:
Math 222.
Frequency:
Fall/Spring
Student Body:

Students in the Sciences and Engineering

Credits:
3. (N-A)
Recent Texts:

Differential Equations and Linear Algebra 3E, Edwards and Penney, Prentice Hall.

Course Coordinator:
Leslie Smith
Background and Goals:

Differential equations are the fundamental tools that modern science and engineering use to model physical reality. The importance of differential equations to these disciplines cannot be overemphasized. A distinct subject in its own right, linear algebra is a part of mathematics concerned with the structure inherent in mathematical systems. We shall study these subjects together for three reasons: (1) The viewpoint of linear algebra is immensely helpful in uncovering the order underlying the topic of differential equations; it helps us understand the why'' and not just the how'' of our calculations. (2) Linear algebra is essential to the theory of differential equations. And (3) linear algebra is crucial to the computer approximations which are often the only way to solve the most challenging differential equations.

Alternatives:
For a more thorough study of linear algebra and differential equations the student should choose Math 340 and Math 319
Subsequent Courses:
some 4XX and 5XX level math courses
Course Content:
• First-Order ODEs
• Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Methods
• Linear Systems and Matrices
• Vector Spaces
• Higher-Order Linear ODEs
• Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
• Linear Systems of ODEs
• Matrix Exponential Methods (to solve non-homogeneous systems)
• Nonlinear Systems