Formulation, analysis and interpretation of mathematical models describing phenomena from the natural and social sciences.

Topics may include:  model construction, model fitting, optimization, empirical models, simulation models, stochastic models, dynamical models and other related topics.  Students are required to produce a (individual or team) term project.

This course is a student-active, cooperative learning, and writing and speaking course;  a course in which we will discover and explore together the world of mathematical modeling.  The book we are using focuses on a variety of models, which I hope gives each student insight into the application of mathematics to diverse fields. 

My objectives for the course are to develop an understanding of the process of modeling and of the potential of applying mathematics to aid in understanding diverse phenomena, to integrate mathematical skills, to encourage a cooperative approach to problem-solving and to improve communication skills. 

No particular prerequisites are assumed, other than those required for our MS program.  We will use whatever technology we have available (from calculators to spreadsheets to computer algebra systems). 

Syllabus
 

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