Taking Intro to Differential Equations after a break from school

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on an undergraduate student contemplating enrollment in an introductory Differential Equations course after a significant academic break. The course covers solutions of differential equations with applications in biology, medical fields, and bioengineering, including topics like first and second order linear equations, phase plane analysis, and Laplace transforms. The student expresses concern about their rusty skills in Calculus and Linear Algebra, especially since they are on academic probation. The forum highlights two versions of the course: one mathematically rigorous and another application-focused, suggesting that the latter may be more suitable for students with weaker foundational skills.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Calculus I-III concepts
  • Familiarity with Linear Algebra fundamentals
  • Basic knowledge of differential equations
  • Experience with mathematical modeling techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Calculus concepts, focusing on derivatives and integrals
  • Study Linear Algebra topics, particularly matrix operations and eigenvalues
  • Explore introductory resources on Differential Equations, such as "Elementary Differential Equations" by William E. Boyce
  • Investigate computer modeling techniques relevant to biological systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate students, particularly those majoring in Statistics, Biology, or related fields, who are considering taking Differential Equations after a break from academic studies and need guidance on prerequisite knowledge and course selection.

koh94
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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?
 
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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.
 
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Just occurred to me. Post the textbook used and I can give you better information.
 

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