Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Differential Equations (Face-to-Face)

MATH 2280-01

Course: MATH 2280-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: MATH
CRN: 11308

Course Description

Linear and nonlinear differential equations and linear systems of equations with applications; emphasizes understanding of the solution as well as the techniques used. This course is designed for majors in Math, Math Education, and Science. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): MATH 1220 and MATH 2270 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Prerequisite Can Be Concurrent? Yes (MATH 2270) Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Elementary Differential Equations (opt: and Boundary Value Problems), 11th ed., by Boyce, DiPrima and Meade, Wiley Publishing, ISBN 978-1119381648 (or 978-1119169796). There is an Inclusive Access text available in a Canvas link. It will automatically show up and is charged to your student account; an opt-out deadline will also be listed so that (if you have a hard copy) you can remove the text from your Canvas shell and not be charged for it. Other editions of this text will not be supported

Learning Outcomes

1.       Learn to solve 1st-order linear and nonlinear DEs; use directions fields, applications, and numerical approximation by Euler’s method
2.       Learn to solve 2nd-order linear DEs; applications
3.       Learn to solve systems of 1st-order systems of DEs; phase space/direction fields and applications
4.       Learn existence and uniqueness theorems for 1st and 2nd-order DEs and 1st-order systems of DEs; applications
5.       Learn to use a computer algebra system to aid and support computation

Course Requirements

 Student learning will be assessed through homework Problem Sets, in-class Quizzes, Midterm Exams, and the Final exam.  

The overall grade will be calculated by the following weighted average:

15%   Problem Sets
60%   Midterm Exams
25%   Final Exam

The semester letter grade will be based on the weighted average above using the following cutoffs:
      A     92%          B-     79%          D+  67%
      A-    89%          C+    77%          D    63%
      B+   87%           C     72%          D-   60%
      B     82%           C-    70%          F   <60%   

Course Outline

 Week : Topic(s)
1 : Review of Integration; overview of Mathematica; modeling with DEs; direction fields; 1st order linear equations using integrating factors
2 : Separable equations and homogenous methods; modeling: mixing, heat laws, and position, velocity, acceleration w/resistance; existence and uniqueness for linear/nonlinear DEs; autonomous equations, population dynamics and stability
3 : Exact eqns and integrating factors; Euler’s method; 2nd order homogeneous eqns w/constant coefficients
4 : Solution spaces for 2nd and nth-order DEs: linear independence and Wronskian
5 : Complex and repeated roots of constant coefficient 2nd order homogeneous eqns and reduction of order
6 : Nonhomogeneous 2nd order eqns: method of undetermined coefficients
7 : Nonhomogeneous 2nd order eqns: method of variation of parameters
8 : Mechanical and electrical vibrations; forcing functions and resonance
9 : Definition of and finding Laplace transforms; practice finding Laplace and inverse Laplace transforms
10 : Solving DEs using Laplace transforms; step and impulse functions
11 : Review of linear algebra: matrices and eigenspaces; connection between nth-order linear DEs and homogeneous linear systems with constant coefficients 
12 : Theory of 1st order linear systems and existence/uniqueness of solutions
13 : Complex eigenvalues and fundamental matrices
14 : Fundamental matrices and repeated eigenvalues

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

HW will be collected once a week on a designated day, to be included on Canvas. It should be neat, the problems done in order, and show complete work for full credit. Because you should be keeping up on your HW, I will not give any time extension to finish it unless you have a prolonged, legitimate excuse. Late, unexcused HW will not be accepted. 

In case of emergency, failure to contact me before the test closes will result in a zero. A makeup may be given as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Documentation may be required. Busy schedules, movable appointments, moves, or forgetting about or being unaware of a scheduled exam do not qualify for a makeup test. 

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required. I will be unwilling to go through material that you miss without excuse. If you have to miss class, you should arrange to obtain notes from a classmate and visit me for any Qs. Excessive absences (generally 2+) will result in a warning, after which I reserve the right to take off points for further absences. 

Course Fees

$2.75 per credit hour so $8.25

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.