| Mathematical Modeling | Taught by Dr. Meredith L. Greer |
| Math 341, Section A | Office and Phone: 213 Hathorn Hall, 786-6283 |
| MWF 12:05-1:00p.m. | Email: mgreer@abacus.bates.edu |
| Fall 2005 | http://abacus.bates.edu/~mgreer/math341/math341.html |
| Held in Pettengill 162 | Office Hours: M 1-2, W 2-3, Th 1-2 |
| Description | Materials | Policies | Grading |
Mathematical models describe a variety of real-world situations, providing unique information and insight. Systems that can benefit from modeling range from daily occurrences (e.g. optimizing campus parking) to highly complex interactions (e.g. predicting weather) to currently theoretical scenarios (e.g. computing the best vaccination or treatment strategy in case of bioterrorist attack).
Throughout this semester, we study a variety of modeling types. Topics include proportionality models, fitting models to data, creating simulations, dimensional analysis, probabilistic modeling, optimization, and both discrete and continuous models. For day-to-day details, see the calendar pages of our class website. There is also a printable summarized semester schedule, available online.
Additionally, students work in small groups on a semester-long modeling project. Early-semester activities include discussions of possible project ideas, a workshop on technical writing, project proposals, and brief presentations in class. Later activities include individual group meetings, peer-reviewed rough drafts, and longer final presentations to the class.
Text: A First Course in Mathematical Modeling
(third edition) by Giordano, Weir, and Fox. Published by Thomson Brooks/Cole in 2003.
Et cetera: Individuals or groups may require additional materials as part of
projects and presentations.
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Homework: You may work together while completing homework problems, but each of you should write up and hand in your own assignment. Exams: There are two in-class exams. You will be able to use a calculator, but will otherwise work on your own. Web Pages: Each of you will construct a web page this semester. It may be very simple or extremely intricate, depending on how much time you wish to spend. Its main purpose will be to put your project results on display to a broader audience than just our class. |
Project: There will be several pieces to the project this semester. (See the Grading section for a list.) I will give more information on each piece as you begin work. Class Attendance: I expect you to attend every class. Extenuating Circumstances: If there are any circumstances that may affect your classroom performance, attendance, or ability to hand in assignments on time, please let me know as soon as possible. Some examples are: documented learning disabilities; extended illness; or participation in official Bates activities that require you to miss class on a regular basis. |
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*The above is subject to change, as the semester progresses.*