Taking Intro to Differential Equations after a break from school

[koh94]

I'm currently an undergrad student who had to take a break from school for over a year and its been around 3 or 4 years since I took Calc I - Calc III and Linear Algebra. I'm debating on taking a introduction to differential equations course as an elective that starts in a couple weeks when I get back into school, but I'm wondering how much I will be struggling or if it's even worth taking. I am Statistics major who's interested in applications to biology/biostats/epidemiology/quantitative psychology, but because I've been out of school for a while and my calc and linear algebra skills are very rusty I'm not sure on how well I'll do in the course. Here is the course description:

Solutions of differential equations with biological, medical, and bioengineering applications. First and second order linear equations, phase plane analysis, nonlinear dynamics, Laplace transforms, and the diffusion equation. Computer labs cover mathematical and numerical techniques for modeling biological systems.

Are there any topics from previous math courses that are essential to differential equations that I should be reviewing?

I should note that I am on academic probation so I can't risk failing any of my classes. With that being said, do you think this course is even worth taking right now?

 

[alan2]

It depends. We offer two intro differential equations courses. One is mathematically rigorous, intended for math and physics majors, and students who are rusty with prerequisite material struggle. The other leans heavily on application with a lot of computer modeling. Any reasonably bright student is fine. Math, physics, and some engineering majors can’t receive credit for the second while some engineering majors can.

 

[alan2]

Just occurred to me. Post the textbook used and I can give you better information.