[The University of Leicester]

Department of Mathematics



Next: MA1221 Pure Mathematics at Work Up: ModuleGuide03-04 Previous: MA1152 Introductory Linear Algebra

MA1201 Mathematical Modelling

MA1201 Mathematical Modelling

Credits: 10 Convenor: Dr. J. Levesley Semester: 1 (weeks 2 to 6)
Prerequisites:
Assessment: Class tests, poster presentation, modelling report: 100% Examination: 0%
Lectures: 20 Problem Classes: 0
Tutorials: none Private Study: 55
Labs: 0 Seminars: none
Project: none Other: none
Surgeries: 0 Total: 75

Subject Knowledge

Aims

This module aims to show students how they can use simple mathematics to model real life situations. They will be shown how assumptions can be made in order to make a mathematical model. Solutions arising from models will be compared to the real world to see if they make sense.

Learning Outcomes

Know how to: make simplifying assumptions; assign parameters to physical quantities to make a mathematical model; interpret solution and compare it to real life; simulate a random process using a random number generator; simulate a simple queueing problem; how to fit an algebraic or exponential curve to data.

Methods

Lectures, workshops, handouts.

Assessment

Marked project reports, marked poster presentations, class tests.

Subject Skills

Aims

To provide students with report writing, group work, oral and poster presentation, and information handling skills.

Learning Outcomes

Students will have written a number of project reports, and given three group poster presentations. They will need to assess complex information and select the appropriate information for building models.

Methods

Lectures, workshops, handouts.

Assessment

Modelling project, and group oral poster presentation.

Explanation of Pre-requisites

None.

Course Description

Modelling is about applying simple mathematics to real situations. You will make assumptions in order to simplify problems, and then create a mathematical description of this simplified situation. You will then use mathematical manipulations to provide you with information about the situation. It is then very important to compare your answer to the real world to see if it makes sense. Much emphasis in this module will be placed on critically examining solutions to problems, and deciding how much we can trust them. It is clear thinking that will help you to succeed.

Syllabus

This module is designed to build your confidence and competence in modelling. Therefore, you will do a number of modelling problems. The situations you will model are relatively unimportant, but they will include problems involving random processes. These will be modelled using simulation. You will learn other skills, such as data fitting, poster presentation, written presentation, and working in groups.

Reading list

Background:

D. Edwards and M. Hamson, Guide to Mathematical Modelling, MacMillan, 1989.

D. Edwards and M. Hamson, Mathematical Modelling Skills, MacMillan, 1996.

J. Berry and K. Houston, Mathematical Modelling, Edward Arnold, 1995.

Resources

Poster making materials, handouts, lecture rooms.

Module Evaluation

Module questionnaires, module review, year review.

Next: MA1221 Pure Mathematics at Work Up: ModuleGuide03-04 Previous: MA1152 Introductory Linear Algebra

[University Home] [MCS Home] [University Index A-Z] [University Search] [University Help]

Author: C. D. Coman, tel: +44 (0)116 252 3902
Last updated: 2004-02-21
MCS Web Maintainer
This document has been approved by the Head of Department.
© University of Leicester.