Professor: McClure Course format: Lecture w/Section Number of respondents: 75 Total Enrollment: 104

Class Composition Froshs: 5 Sophs: 83 Jrs: 11 Srs: 4 Concs: 7 Non-Concs: 65 Don't Know: 2	Instructor Average: 2.08 Course Average: 2.19

Are you willing to learn more about differential equations and applying them to models? If so, you ought to consider "Methods of Applied Mathematics." It is mainly concerned with differential equations of first, second and higher order degrees, but doesn't focus on the theory. There only requirement for this course was a very good background in calculus, at least MA 10 according to the course announcement, but MA 19 or 20 was suggested or an equivalent understanding of multivariate calculus.

Professor McClure was not the greatest teacher the students had ever met, in the opinion. His lectures were fairly clear, he was perceived as a nice guy. However, class meetings were quite boring because his lecture style was so dry. Respondents also wished he would have used more examples to show how the lessons were put into use. His use of the blackboard was commended, but some felt he went too quickly over difficult material. To his credit, when questions were asked, he would answer them fairly thoroughly before continuing

The workload consisted of four to six hours of studying every week in order to do the problem set. There were two midterms, one final and homework every week, which was said to be essential to learning the material. One midterm was considered easy, the other hard. There was no reading necessary.

The respondents' opinion on what they got out of this class was divided into two categories. One group put a lot of effort in to the course and enjoyed the subject, while the rest did what they needed to get by, seeing the course as simply a prerequisite to other, more interesting courses.

Engin concentrators have to take this course, and they made up the majority of the class. Some, however, really liked the professor and recommended taking the course just to have him as an instructor.

View AM/0033 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.