Professor: Olson Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 30 Total Enrollment: 38 Class Composition: Froshs: 2 Sophs: 31 Jrs: 3 Srs: 1 Concs: 2 Non-Concs: 27 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.54 Course Average: 1.61

“Methods of Applied Mathematics I” covers first and second order differential equations, emphasizing applications in fields such as engineering rather than foundations and theory. It is a prerequisite for Applied Math 34. Math 10 is required for this course, and students indicated that knowledge of calculus and linear algebra is helpful.

Reviewers had nothing but praise for Professor Olson, who they described as helpful, enthusiastic, and articulate. He was always available for help in office hours, and responded quickly to students’ emails. If he noticed that the class was struggling, he would go back and explain concepts or provide supplemental notes. Students thought his lectures were clear and well organized, and his use of examples was effective. Although some felt his lectures moved too fast, they emphasized the professor’s willingness to help his students grasp the material and to answer their questions. Class members admired Professor Olson’s enthusiasm, and commented that he seemed to enjoy the material and liked teaching.

The coursework consisted of weekly homework assignments, two midterms, and a final exam. Students felt that the book was helpful as a reference, but that lecture notes covered everything needed to do well on the assignments and exams and that it was therefore more important to pay attention in lecture than to read the book. One student noted that the website was helpful.

Reviewers spent between three and eight hours a week preparing for this course, with more time spent studying for exams. In general, this matched their expectations. Students recommended taking this class if you like math or engineering, and they highly recommended taking it from Professor Olson. However, a few students suggested that if you want to learn theory rather than simply applications and would like a challenge, take Applied Math 35 instead.

View AM/0033 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.