Math 354 syllabus

Computer Assisted Mathematical Modeling
Course description: This course is intended to provide the basic ideas regarding formulation, development, testing and reporting of mathematical models of various real world problems. Deterministic and stochastic models, optimization and simulations will be covered. Emphasis will be on careful mathematical formulations and the use of computer software, such as Microsoft Excel, Mathematica and Matlab. A term project will be an important component of this course. The course is taught in a laboratory setting with computers as lab equipment.

Prerequisites:  (EH 102 Minimum Grade of C or EH 105 Minimum Grade of C) and MA 227 Minimum Grade of C and MA 238 Minimum Grade of C.

Suggested Text:  A First Course in Mathematical Modeling, 4th edition by F.R. Giordano, W.P. Fox, S.B. Horton and M.D. Weir. Published by Brooks/Cole.

Coverage:  Chapter 1 (all sections),  Chapter 11(omit 11.6 and 11.7),  Chapter 12 (omit 12.5) w

Learning outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the course a student will:

Know to study the behavior of mathematical models of real-world problems analytically and numerically.
Interpret the mathematical conclusions thus drawn in terms of the real-world problem that was modeled, thereby ascertaining the validity of the model.
Know to model real-world observations by making appropriate simplifying assumptions and identifying key factors.