Math 474 Mathematical Modeling, Spring 2009
Section 01     7:05-8:20 am TR Sci 102
Instructor:      Dr. Z. Zeng,   Office: Sci 218D,   Phone: 773-442-5763
email:           zzeng@neiu.edu
Web site:        http://www.neiu.edu/~zzeng  
Office hours:    11:00-1:30, Tuesday and Thursday 
                 No appointment needed in regular office hours.
Text:            A Course in Mathematical Modeling, D. Mooney and R. Swift, MAA
Software:        It is recommended that you purchase Maple 12 if you have a 
                 computer at home. Maplesoft offers substantial discount to students
                 in this class (Promotion code: AP49005). Click [here] for details.
Course           This course is a student-active, cooperative learning, and writing 
Description      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 of you insight into the 
                 application of mathematics to diverse fields. 

                 The 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. 
Method           Evaluation of your performance in the course is based on
of Evaluation    take-home projects. Each project is usually due in two weeks and
                 will be graded on 20-point basis. If a project takes longer, say
                 3 weeks, it would worth 30 points, and so on.
                 The letter grade scale:
                 90-100%: A, 80-89%: B, 65-79%: C
Department secretaries will not give out final grades. Please do not ask.

Friday, April 3 is the last day to drop this class