MTH463: Mathematical Modeling
Case Studies with Numerical Experiments
Spring 2012, UMass Dartmouth
Place and Time
The class meets MW at 4:30 - 5:45 PM in Room 106 SENG (Science and Engineering Building).
Textbook
None.
The format (presentations and what's valued) of the class will follow closely the classical tradition
set up by Prof. Gary Davis from his
past mathematical modeling class.
Presentations
Presentations should be kept to about 15 minutes. Shorter is also fine. Working in groups is fine.
Individuals working in groups must take turns in taking the lead in a presentation. Vigorous questioning
of presenters is expected: please do it, often!
What's valued?
The things most valued in this class are:
- Engagement. This is evidenced by participation in class, asking questions, by writing up thoughts
on a blog (or report on dropbox folder) after class, by reading ahead, by bringing questions to class.
- Honesty. This is a basic scientific attribute. If you do not know something, or how to do something, say so.
If you tried to work out a procedure, follow and algorithm, implement some code, and couldn't, then say so.
Basic honesty let's people trust you - they know they can believe what you say. Also, it takes pressure of others
if they know you-re not the next boy/girl genius, but just struggling to understand, like them.
- Ideas. This is basic scientific currency. Science cannot proceed without ideas. Where do ideas come from?
Good question, but come they do. When they do, let everyone else know about them, crazy or not.
Attendance & focus of attention
Attendance is mandatory, as is being on-task and participating in class activities - particularly presenting, and
listening to, and asking questions of, presenters.
Three (3) missed classes without explanation may result in a grade of F without further discussion.
Assessment
The major component (75 %) of assessment is a final report on a project based on case studies of your choice.
If the mathematical models are too hard, you may solve simpler models numerically to plot
solutions in order to gain more insight. Since this is not a numerical analysis class, utilizing ready to use software, specialized package, and free toolboxes
to help your numerical experiments are recommended. In short, your final report is like your neat research diary organized in the style of
research paper that contains
your numerical experiments, mathematical derivations, advises from your classmates, and discussions to make things clear for you.
The remainder (25 %) of assessment is class participation - regular class presentations, presenting Ideas, asking
questions of presenters, and bringing questions to class.
