Professor: Balasuriya Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 27 Total Enrollment: 38 Class Composition: Froshs: 18 Sophs: 12 Jrs: 7 Srs: 0 Concs: 4 Non-Concs: 22 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.27 Course Average: 1.69

"Methods of Applied Mathematics I" is the first in a sequence of applied mathematics courses designed for the non-concentrator. Among the topics covered are solving first- and second-order differentiable equations, and Laplace transformations. It is necessary to have a good background in calculus to prepare for the work in this course.

Professor Balasuriya received generally positive reviews. He was not only clear and thorough, but also followed the syllabus well. Many respondents said that he tailored the speed of the lessons to the class; however, some noted that there were few opportunities to participate. A vast majority of students also praised the organization of the class.

The weekly problem sets were regarded as helpful and relevant to class, as they led to a thorough understanding of the material while avoiding tedious tasks. In addition, the midterm exam was touted as "very easy" by a number of respondents, and the final exam was open-book. The amount of effort varied from person to person, but the average fell somewhere between three and seven hours per week.

Most students were glad they had taken this course; a popular reason was that Professor Balasuriya was an excellent teacher. Others noted that the material covered was very practical, and could be applied in other subject areas as well. A few students felt it was not as easy as they had expected, but had gained from the course nonetheless.

If you have any interest in applied math, then "Methods of Applied Mathematics I" is definitely recommended. The professor made the class thoroughly enjoyable, and the material covered was interesting as well.

View AM/0033 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.