The world abounds with introductory texts on ordinary differential
equations and rightly so in view of the large number of students taking
a course in this subject. However, for some time now there is a growing
need for a junior-senior level book on the more advanced topics of
differential equations. In fact the number of engineering and science
students requiring a second course in these topics has been increasing.
This book is an outgrowth of such courses taught by us in the last ten
years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The book attempts to blend
mathematical theory with nontrivial applications from varipus
disciplines. It does not contain lengthy proofs of mathemati al theorems
as this would be inappropriate for its intended audience. Nevertheless,
in each case we motivated these theorems and their practical use through
examples and in some cases an "intuitive proof" is included. In view of
this approach the book could be used also by aspiring mathematicians who
wish to obtain an overview of the more advanced aspects of differential
equations and an insight into some of its applications. We have included
a wide range of topics in order to afford the instructor the flexibility
in designing such a course according to the needs of the students.
Therefore, this book contains more than enough material for a one
semester course.