Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - MATH 260 D100

Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (3)

Class Number: 4303

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 152 with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 155 or 158, with a grade of at least B; MATH 232 or 240, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

First-order differential equations, second- and higher-order linear equations, series solutions, introduction to Laplace transform, systems and numerical methods, applications in the physical, biological and social sciences. Students with credit for MATH 310 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics

  • First Order differential equations
  • Second- and higher-order linear equations
  • Systems of first-order equations 
  • The Laplace transform
  • Introduction to numerical methods and nonlinear systems
  • Applications in the physical, biological and social sciences

Grading

  • Assignments and Quizzes 25%
  • Midterm Test 25%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

Tutorial attendance is mandatory for this course.

REQUIREMENTS:

This course is delivered in person, on campus. Should public health guidelines recommend limits on in person gatherings, this course may include virtual meetings. As such, all students are recommended to have access to strong and reliable internet, the ability to scan documents (a phone app is acceptable) and access to a webcam and microphone (embedded in a computer is sufficient). 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems with WileyPlus*
William E. Boyce; Richard C. DiPrima; Douglas B. Meade
12th Edition; 2021
Wiley

*WileyPlus is a platform that all students must use to successfully complete this course. The SFU Bookstore will have available both the electronic textbook+WileyPlus bundle and the printed hardcopy text+WileyPlus bundle available, either of which are acceptable. Purchasing a used text/11th edition textbook will require the additional purchase of WileyPlus and is therefore not recommended.  

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.