Professor: Gottlieb Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 38 Total Enrollment: 48 Class Composition: Froshs: 5 Sophs: 31 Jrs: 8 Srs: 1 Concs: 14 Non-Concs: 18 Don't Know: 3

Instructor Average: 1.45 Course Average: 1.53

“Methods of Applied Mathematics I” provides a more advanced introduction to ordinary differential equations. Math 10 is a prerequisite for this course, and students commented that basic calculus and linear algebra was helpful for this course. This course is required for anyone considering one of the Applied Math concentrations.

Overall, students felt that Professor Gottlieb was a great teacher. Her lectures were well structured, clear, and easy to follow, and she encouraged questions during class. She provided both examples and proofs, which class members felt was helpful. Reviewers described her as cheerful, enthusiastic, and down-to-earth and said that she made the material interesting. She was available for help in office hours, and individually worked with students who felt that their background in calculus was lacking. Many students appreciated the way she reviewed the previous class’s material at the beginning of each lecture, although a few thought she moved too slowly. All in all, class members thought she understood the needs of the class and made an effort to accommodate them and to motivate them to succeed.

The coursework consisted of three in-class exams and a final project. Problem sets were assigned but were not graded, and although they were optional, most students ended up doing them before exams. A few felt that the homework should have been graded or emphasized more, while others liked the fact that they could do it at their own pace. Reviewers thought the exams were fair, though a little long, and noted that the textbook was useful in clarifying concepts.

On average, students spent between one and five hours on this course, with more time spent preparing for exams. Most said this matched their expectations, while some said it was less than they had expected. Many felt that this was not a difficult class, although harder than Applied Math 33. Students overwhelmingly recommended both this class and Professor Gottlieb. If you are interested in differential equations or need to take this class for your concentration, consider taking it with this professor.

View AM/0035 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.