Introduction to Differential Equations

I have a BS in chemical engineering. I averaged 96% over the 5 units of study. The material was mostly new to me. Although I had a high average, I only averaged so high because I took copious notes from the lecture notes, practice problems, and videos.

A BS in electrical engineering said in the discussion that this course is too hard for a first time learner. That was his opinion, and he made the comment after a section on imaginary concepts. It was new to me. I found it difficult, but I tend to, so far, do well with mathematics. Still, I took a total of 303 full pages of notes that I referenced often to solve the very difficult homework problems. I find note taking useful since there is no PDF textbook download. Also, it helps me remember the material.

I am an official Friend of MIT. I have been awarded an MIT Infinite Connection account by MIT after I completed numerous MITx courses and completed a MIT Digital Learning survey. Although I am not an alumnus, I can participate in the MIT Alumni Forums. I can also watch, as an example, videos from the MIT Alumni website. In one video about volunteering, the presenter joked about MIT students being used to taking copious notes. I find it useful as well.

As of March 06, 2022, the edx syllabus is not accurate. So, be prepared for a little change in the organization of course topics. I found the material increased in difficulty as the course progressed, with the exception of Unit 5 on nonlinear differential equations graphical methods.

Dr. Jennifer French, MIT Lecturer, agreed with the BS in electrical engineering that the course is hard, it has a lot of material, and it is the same as taught on MIT campus. I have read that 99% of MIT students have taken a MITx course. MIT is no joke. It is high quality material.

There are two homework styles. The mechanics are covered in homework A(s), and homework B(s) are often harder with more mathematics and physics.

I put in the suggested time for completion. I worked hard.

This course is a rigorous primer to differential equations. It is well structured, the lectures are informative and Professor Mattuck is extremely witty! There are recitations and HW assignments which require critical thinking, and solidify the material being taught in the lectures.

The differential equations being modeled, such as - designing a boat to prevent it from tipping in the water, shock absorbers in vehicles, and population / logistic growth are both practical and fascinating to study.

The most unique feature of the course is MIT's interactive Mathlets, which give a visual representation of the concepts being taught, and further solidify the understanding. Rather than me explaining further, it would be best to check it out: https://mathlets.org/mathlets/. Some Mathlets we used were: Amplitude and Phase, Complex Arithmetic, Isoclines, and Phase Lines.

Also, the course staff, Dr Jennifer French and Dr Kristin Dettmers are extremely responsive, helpful, and keep student's needs as their utmost priority. For example, they extended the deadlines for assignments and the final exam, on multiple occasions. This greatly reduced pressure on students, and made for a highly conducive learning environment.

This valuable online course explains toughest topics in math quite well. It offers lots of practice what is good. The whole course is practice-based. Several problems from the course require making exhausting routine calculation producing long-long equation. MIT's online course uses teaching approach which is much closer to traditional teaching approach than Boston University's online course. Among drawbacks, MIT course often uses the help of postgraduates, which in fact don't have developed empathy so don't feel students and produce poor video lectures. Most lectures in the course are good. MIT course has visuals as well as Boston University's course what makes both able to extend intelligence of a participant. If you didn't take Paul Blanchard's course, I recommend you to start from his work, it's truly virtuosic and gives clearer understanding of the subject. Consider taking MIT course after. Both courses are definitely worth taking.