Ordinary differential equations with applications to mechanics, biology, and physics. This is the honors-level companion to MA 226: it covers the same core methods for first- and second-order equations and linear systems, and then goes further — into Sturm–Liouville problems, vibrating strings, special functions, power series solutions near regular singular points, Laplace transforms, and the calculus of variations, including isoperimetric problems and Hamilton's principle. Students cannot receive credit for both MA 231 and CAS MA 226.
| Lecturer: | Malavika Mukundan |
| Lectures: | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 12:20–1:10 PM; SOC B59 |
| Discussion: | Wednesday, 10:10–11:00 AM; COM 215 — students registering for the lecture must also register for this section |
| Office hours: | TBD |
| Prerequisites: | CAS MA 225 or CAS MA 230 |
| Textbook: | Differential Equations, Blanchard, Devaney & Hall, 4th edition; ISBN 978-1133109037. On reserve: Frederick S. Pardee Management Library, Reserve QA371 .B63 2012. |
Homework assignments will be posted here as they are assigned, with due dates.
No assignments posted yet — check back soon.
| Midterms: | Dates TBD |
| Final exam: | Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 12:00–2:00 PM |
Grading breakdown TBD.
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