Math 481: Spring 2006
Mathematical Modeling

Course information

Course: Math 481/0101 [catalog #3901]: Mathematical Modeling
Time/Place: TT 4:00pm-5:15pm, MP 008
Instructors:

Course Description

This objective of this course is to introduce the process of making mathematical models from a selection of interesting observable phenomena and develop techniques to analyze them. Strengths and limitations of the models will be discussed.

The course is organized as three equal length modules taught by three faculty members. Each module will introduce a minimal set of mathematical prerequisites and apply them to investigate a set of problems and propose several mini-research projects.

The tentative contents of the modules are:

Models for population dynamics: Dr. Thomas Seidman
Module URL:  http://www.math.umbc.edu/~seidman/s06/481-syllabus.html
Models for infectious diseases: Dr. Jonathan Bell
Module URL:  http://www.math.umbc.edu/~jbell/math481/Ma481Syllabus_Sp06.pdf
Models for diffusion: Dr. Rouben Rostamian
Module URL:  http://www.math.umbc.edu/~rouben/2006-01-math481/diffusion.html

Prerequisites:

Math 251 (multivariable calculus), Math 221 (linear algebra), Math 225 (differential equations).

Homework

Homework problems related to the covered topics will be assigned, collected and graded throughout the semester. Students are expected to attempt all the assigned problems. Homework grade from each module will constitute 25% of the cumulative course grade.

Students are expected to work independently on solving the homework assignments.

Project

Each instructor will propose several longer problems which will be considered as mini-research projects. Students will work in teams of two or three on a project.

Participation in only one project is required of each student. A team may begin working on a project of its choice at any time. At the end of the semester each team will present to the rest of the class its findings in a 20 minute oral session. Additionally, each student (not the team) will submit a report on the project.

Projects are not limited to those proposed by instructors. Project topics suggested by students or a team are welcome but these should be approved by an instructor.

Evaluation of performance on the project will constitute 25% of the cumulative course grade.

Exams

There will be no exams in this course.

Grading

For each student a cumulative course grade will be determined by adding scores from the three modules and the project. The letter grade will be determined according to: 

if { grade ≥ 85: A}
else if { grade ≥ 75: B}
else if { grade ≥ 65: C}
else if { grade ≥ 55: D}
else F

Textbooks and reading materials

There is no single book that covers all the topics that are planned for this course. Course lectures will form the bulk of the conveyed information. Suggested reading materials will be placed on reserve in the library as needed.

The Official UMBC Honors Code

By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC's scholarly community in which everyone's academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal.

To read the full Student Academic Conduct Policy, consult the UMBC Student Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, or the UMBC Policies section of the UMBC Directory.
The URL of this document is http://www.math.umbc.edu/misc/math481.html