MATH 251-01, Differential Equationsm Fall 2008

Abstract

Differential equations were conceived in the context of celestial mechanics, but have since been used in such diverse contexts as economics, chemistry, rumor propagation, dispersion, meteorology, population dynamics, pursuit curves, epidemiology, and fluid dynamics (to name just a few). In addition to being amazingly flexible tools for understanding the natural and social worlds, they are also of substantial theoretical interest. Time constraints will prevent us from doing more than scratching the surface of this rich and interesting subject, but I hope you’ll see enough of it to come to appreciate its power and flexibility.