Fall 2026. MATH3354. Section 001.

Differential Equations I

Instructor: Luan Thach Hoang
Office: MA 208. Phone: (806) 834-3060. Fax: (806) 742-1112
Email address: luan.hoang@ttu.edu
Homepage: http://www.math.ttu.edu/~lhoang/

Classroom and Time: MWF 2:00 PM-2:50 PM in MA 109 (Mathematics Bulding)

Office hours: MWF 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

Prerequisite: MATH 2350 or 2450 and MATH 2360.

Text: Differential Equations with Boundary-Value Problems, 10th edition, by D.G. Zill, published by Cengage.

Course Description: This course covers topics in ordinary differential equations: First-order differential equations; Modeling with first-order differential equations; Higher-order differential equations; Modeling with higher-order differential equations; Laplace transform; Series solutions of Linear Equations.

Course Outline:

Expected Learning Outcomes: Students will obtain a thorough knowledge of solution techniques for first-order and for second- and higher-order constant coefficient linear homogenous and nonhomogeneous initial value problems using standard methods of undetermined coefficients and variation of parameters. In addition, the students will acquire a general understanding of how to apply the Laplace transform in solving initial value problems and convolution integral equations. Students will gain an appreciation for some of the applications of ordinary differential equations in biology and engineering.

Methods of Assessment of Learning Outcomes: Assessment of the learning outcomes will be achieved through homework assignments, three midterm exams, and a final exam in conjunction with the Attendance and Grading policies.

Grading Policy: Homework will be assigned weekly and will count for 25% of the grade. However, your overall grade in the Homework at the end of the semester must be at least 50%, otherwise you automatically fail the course. The lowest homework score will be dropped. There will be three midterm exams in class, each will count for 15% of the grade. The final exam will count for 30% of the grade. All in-class exams are closed-book. No make-up exams are given unless legitimate documents for excuses are presented to the instructor at least a week in advance.
If you have no more than six absences in attendance, a bonus of three points will be added to your final grade. Otherwise, after the first six absences, there is a deduction of five points for each additional absence. The total maximum deduction is thirty points.
Grading Scale: A: 90%-100%, B: 80%-89%, C: 70%-79%, D: 60%-69%, F: below 60%

Homework assignments: Online homework will be assigned though Webwork. Students will receive the instructor's message for login information. Due dates are indicated on each assignment. Students should spend very first week to get familiar with the system.

Webwork Link: https://webwork.math.ttu.edu/webwork2/fal26lhoangm3354s001

Attendance Policy: Students must go to lectures and attendance will be taken by aPlus+ Attendance in RaiderCanvas. (You need the Canvas App on your mobile device for that.)

Calculators: Calculators are not permitted in all examinations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) statements: AI use is not permitted. To support your development and independent demonstration of the course learning outcomes, generative AI use in this course is not permitted. Do not use generative AI tools or features to create, solve, summarize, translate, revise, or substantially transform work submitted for credit. Basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation features, approved assistive technologies, and approved disability accommodations are permitted unless they generate or substantially rewrite content or replace the skill being assessed. Ask before using an AI tool if you are unsure whether it is permitted. Use of generative AI outside these boundaries may be considered a violation of Texas Tech University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Examination Schedule:

Critical Dates:

TTU Policies. Texas Tech Policies Concerning Academic Honesty, Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities, Student Absences for Observance of Religious Holy Days, and Statement of Accommodation for Pregnant Students may be found on Blackboard. Some of the policies are below.

ADA accommodations. Any student who, because of a disability, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services, during the instructor's office hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall or (806) 742­-2405.

Accommodation for Pregnant Students. To support the academic success of pregnant and parenting students and students with pregnancy related conditions, the University offers reasonable modifications based on the student’s particular needs. Any student who is pregnant or parenting a child up to age 18 or has conditions related to pregnancy may contact Alex Faris, the Texas Tech University designated Pregnancy and Parenting Liaison, to discuss support available through the University. The Liaison can be reached by emailing alfaris@ttu.edu. Should a student communicate with the instructor that they are pregnant or have a pregnancy related condition or may need additional resources related to pregnancy or parenting, the instructor will communicate that student’s information to the Title IX Coordinator, who will work with the student and others, as needed, to ensure equal access to the University’s education program or activity. For more information regarding supportive measures, please contact pregnancy & parenting liaison Alex Faris (alfaris@ttu.edu, phone 806.834.3420) or visit Title IX Pregnancy & Parenting.

Religious holy day. “Religious holy day” means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Texas Tax Code 11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused under Section 2 may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if the student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.

Academic Integrity. Academic integrity is taking responsibility for one's own class and/or course work, being individually accountable, and demonstrating intellectual honesty and ethical behavior. Academic integrity is a personal choice to abide by the standards of intellectual honesty and responsibility. Because education is a shared effort to achieve learning through the exchange of ideas, students, faculty, and staff have the collective responsibility to build mutual trust and respect. Ethical behavior and independent thought are essential for the highest level of academic achievement, which then must be measured. Academic achievement includes scholarship, teaching, and learning, all of which are shared endeavors. Grades are a device used to quantify the successful accumulation of knowledge through learning. Adhering to the standards of academic integrity ensures grades are earned honestly. Academic integrity is the foundation upon which students, faculty, and staff build their educational and professional careers.

Civility in the Classroom: Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in any other form of distraction. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class.

Advice: Come to class regularly, work on homework problems. Ask questions in class and get help from the instructor during the office hours. Master the material quickly and do not wait too late until the midterms or the final exam. Students are encouraged to give feedbacks to the instructor during the semester.

NOTE: When needed, the instructor will communicate with the students using their TTU email addresses. At the beginning of the semester, the instructor will send out two messages, one to confirm the students' email addresses, and another to inform about Webwork. If a student does not receive these messages by the time of the second class, he/she must contact the instructor immediately.