Differential Equations is where calculus becomes the language of physical systems. The statewide record lists methods of solution of ordinary differential equations; linear equations and systems of linear equations; operators, undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, Laplace transforms and series solutions; and boundary value problems.
It is carried by 37 Florida public institutions, almost all at 3 credits.
⚠ The statewide entry is an older numbered list rather than a recently written description, so it should be read as a definition of the subject rather than a statement of any institution’s current syllabus.
Required by every engineering discipline and by physics; named on the Mechanical Engineer path in this repository. Vibration, control systems and transient heat transfer are all differential equations in different clothing, so this is the course those later courses assume.
Florida requires designated mathematics coursework for a degree (Rule 6A-10.030). ⚠ A grade of C or higher is required for a Gordon Rule course to count — a C-minus does not, which is stricter than passing and catches people out. The designation is made by the institution rather than by the number, so check your own institution’s list.
Because Florida guarantees transfer on the completed calculus sequence rather than on its individual courses, a student who arrives here having taken calculus at more than one institution may have gaps — series and techniques of integration are the usual ones, and both are used heavily. Check your own coverage against this course’s prerequisites rather than assuming the course numbers line up.
SCNS records ELECTIVE high-school credit, which is unsurprising: differential equations is not a high-school subject. The college credit is unaffected.
Generated September 17, 2026 · Updated September 17, 2026