Math 135AB: Ordinary Differential Equations
Math 135AB is a two-quarter sequence that covers basic topics in ordinary differential equations. The course sequence is aimed at students in applied mathematics, engineering, and the physical sciences.

As currently designed, the courses 135A and 135B are independent of each other. They can be taken in either order.

Math 135A is devoted to amplifying topics that are introduced in Math 33A, and it can be taken directly after 33A. The main focus is on linear differential equations and systems of equations, though there is some coverage of nonlinear equations also. Some selected applications, as the logistic equation, are given.

Math 135B takes up the following topics:

  • the Laplace transform,
  • power series solutions and regular singular points,
  • Sturm-Liouville theory,
  • phase-plane analysis,
  • selected nonlinear problems.

Some introductory material on power series and solutions to differential equations is covered in 31C, which provides a useful foundation for the material on power series in 135B.

Applied mathematics students interested in a solid foundation in differential equations are advised to take Math 135AB in Fall and Winter, and to continue in the Spring in Math 136, partial differential equations. The numerical integration of differential equations is treated in the courses 151AB and 153.

Math 135A is offered Fall and Winter only, and Math 135B is offered Winter and Spring only. Recent enrollment statistics in the courses are given in the following tables.

Recent Enrollment Statistics
Math 135A

Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

1993-1994
69 (1 section)
69 (1 section)
(no sections)
1994-1995
56 (2 sections)
68 (2 sections)
(no sections)
1995-1996
86 (2 sections)
84 (2 sections)
(no sections)
1996-1997
74 (2 sections)
70 (2 sections)
(no sections)
1997-1998
58 (2 sections)
65 (2 sections)
(no sections)
1998-1999
70 (2 sections)
49 (2 sections)
(no sections)
1999-2000
57 (2 sections)
80 (2 sections)
(no sections)
2000-2001
67 (2 sections)
82 (2 sections)
(no sections)
2001-2002
72 (2 sections)
68 (2 sections)
(no sections)
2002-2003
64 (2 sections)
77 (2 sections)
(no sections)
2003-2004
65 (2 sections)
112 (3 sections)
(no sections)
Math 135B

Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

1993-1994
(no sections)
43 (1 section)
47 (1 section)
1994-1995
(no sections)
45 (2 sections)
32 (1 section)
1995-1996
(no sections)
64 (2 sections)
49 (1 section)
1996-1997
(no sections)
48 (2 sections)
41 (1 section)
1997-1998
(no sections)
50 (2 sections)
38 (1 section)
1998-1999
(no sections)
60 (2 sections)
20 (1 section)
1999-2000
(no sections)
38 (2 sections)
18 (1 section)
2000-2001
(no sections)
57 (2 sections)
41 (1 section)
2001-2002
(no sections)
51 (2 sections)
41 (1 section)
2002-2003
(no sections)
53 (2 sections)
37 (1 section)
2003-2004
(no sections)
47 (2 sections)
(1 section)
 

UCLA Department of Mathematics                          Search     Home