Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (Face-to-Face)

MATH 2250-01

Course: MATH 2250-01
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Mathematics
CRN: 31160

Course Description

Systems of equations, matrices, vector spaces, and eigenvalues. Linear and nonlinear differential equations, systems of differential equations, and their applications. Designed for engineering students. (Fall, Spring) [Graded Letter] Prerequisite(s): MATH 1220 or MATH 1310 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C

Required Texts

Differential Equations & Linear Algebra, 4th ed by Edwards, Penney, and Calvis, Pearson Publishing, ISBN 978-0134497181; the e-text is also an option under the Inclusive Access button on Canvas 

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students should show proficiency in

  • First order differential equations (DEs), including understanding direction fields, first-order solution methods including separation of variables, integrating factor methods, and exact equations.
  • Mathematical models for DEs including population models, equilibrium solutions and stability, velocity-acceleration DEs and analysis, and numerical approximation methods on mathematical software.
  • Solving linear systems of equations using Gaussian elimination, row-echelon forms, matrix algebra inverses and determinants of matrices.
  • Vector spaces with specific focus on Rnspaces, concepts of linear independence, spanning sets, bases, and dimension of real vector spaces.
  • Higher-order DEs and homogenous solution spaces, constant-coefficient equations, mechanical and electrical vibrations, and nonhomogeneous methods such as variation of parameters and undetermined coefficients, and the concept of resonance with forcing functions.
  • Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of square matrices.
  • Linear systems of first-order DEs and eigenvalue methods for solving and their solution curves based on the nature of their corresponding eigensystems.
  • Use Laplace transforms to solve DEs including those with piecewise-continuous and impulse (delta) forcing functions.

Course Requirements

Homework:    75 (12%)
Midterms:     400 (64%)
Final Exam:  150 (24%)

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

  • First-Order Differential Equations
  • Mathematical Models and Numerical Methods
  • Linear Systems and Matrices
  • Vector Spaces
  • Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
  • Higher-Order Linear Differential Equations
  • Linear Systems of Differential Equations
  • Nonlinear Systems and Phenomena
  • Laplace Transform Methods

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

Assignments will be collected on a specified day or submitted via Canvas. Late homework will not be accepted without a prolonged, legitimate excuse.

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 (see the SUU Student Handbook) and will be taken frequently. Excessive absences may result in point deductions. After two unexcused absences, you will receive a formal notice outlining penalties for additional misses. At that point, you should notify me if any absence was excused. Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive and will count as an absence if roll is taken (usually within the first five minutes of class). 

Course Fees

Mathematics Department program fee: $5 ($1.25 per credit hour)

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.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

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.