Abstract

I have been teaching differential equations for the past 20 years, and despite changes in curriculum and textbooks ranging from the classic Rainville through those inspired by Harvard-calculus, my course has remained more or less unaffected. Much of this is due to my training in two-dimensional nonlinear systems of differential equations.

I will talk about our course, MAT 239, at NAU; specifically what I consider to be the core content and what I consider to be off to one side. I will also lament the downsizing of a couple of old favorites, first order homogeneous and first order exact equations, and talk about why I feel they are useful even in a modern course.

I am also keen to hear about differential equations courses taught elsewhere in the section; specifically I would like to find out more about the differences in course content.