Maths 335: Mathematical Models (3)

Syllabus

1.     Prerequisite or parallel: Maths 166 and  Maths 217.

2.     Course Description:  Construction of mathematical models for use with problems in physics, chemistry, biology, and economics. Emphasizes the construction and interpretation of models. Existing computer software will be used.

3.     Course Objectives:  Students will learn that mathematical modeling is the process of using mathematics to approximate and predict real-world phenomena. Using techniques listed below (see Course Content), students will create mathematical models to describe and predict a variety of processes, such as population growth, annuities, the stock market, predator-prey relationships, competitive hunter relationships, ecological succession, and drug concentration. In addition to creating models, students will also learn to gauge the effectiveness of  existing models.

4.     Course Rationale: In addition to its beauty, mathematics has the virtue of being useful, with profound applications within economics, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. Maths 335 is designed to explore the nature and limitations of some of these applications.  Given the ubiquity of mathematical applications in our world, Maths 335 is an essential course for Mathematics Teaching majors as well as Mathematics majors.

5.     Course Content:  The following mathematical tools will likely be used to create and evaluate mathematical models: Recursion relations; difference equations; linear differential equations; linear and nonlinear regression; splines; Markov chains; probabilisitic methods.

6.     Course Format: Lecture/discussion.

7.     Method of Evaluating Student Performance:  Typical components are homework assignments, projects, and take-home exams (possibly involving group work); in-class exams; student presentations and oral exams. The evaluation and weight of these components are at the discretion of the instructor. Students may be evaluated on their understanding of the content material for the course, their ability to solve problems related to the course material, and on their ability to communicate mathematically to others verbally or in writing.

8.     Evaluation of the Course:  The instruction of the course is evaluated by departmental student evaluations and peer evaluation. The course is reviewed and revised periodically by the Departmental Undergraduate Programs Committee.

M. Karls, J. Lorch, 4/25/02

M. Begum, 10/17/05