<p>On the UCB's math site it says: "Math 1B covers the introduction to ordinary differential equations (first order ODE, population dynamics, second order ODE, oscillation and damping, and series solutions of ODE).". </p>
<p>That stuff is not covered in the AP class, and I don't know it either. So if I am to take Math 53, do I need to study this prior to the class? Or is the information not used at all? And if it is used, how much do I need to study?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Differential equations weren't covered at all in Math 53.
Math 54 ended with differential equations, but it didn't require too much prior knowledge of DEs.</p>
<p>You won't need that for Math 53, which is multivariable calculus. You will need some for Math 54. If you're going into engineering, it'd be good to learn it anyway. Any community college class on differential equations will teach you what you need to know. You can also study it yourself if you want (things like method of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters for solving first and second order ODEs--it's in the Math 54 book).</p>