241 MM Tel: 775-2379
Office hours:
16:00 -17:00 T TH
Math Dept Office: 120 MM Tel: 777-2785

WebPage: http://www.math.wright.edu/ms/appliedmath/mathmodeling.html

TEXT:
Mathematical Modeling, by T. Svobodny

Notice that in the text are "exercises". All of these should be worked out, and should be considered a running homework task. At the end of each chapter are "problems". Some of these will be assigned as homework. Further material will be available on the web.

Evaluation:

Midterm Project *................ 25%
Final Project **.................. 40%
Homework....................... 35%

* This is tied in with the MCM
** You are encouraged to begin work on this before the 7th week. Make sure that you discuss it with me by then.

Course content:

An introduction to Applied Mathematics as it is actually used in the real world. Some of the tools of the modeling trade will be presented: dimensional analysis, scaling, stability, growth, vibrations, probability, optimality, approximation, Monte Carlo simulation. We will also encounter some mathematical techniques that are not found in the standard curriculum: perturbation theory, symmetries and bifurcations, calculus of variations, evolution of conditional probabilities. The student will be encouraged to make creative use of mathematical and problem-solving skills; this will culminate in the student's development of an original model.

Syllabus: will be posted on the web page

To do well in this course:

1. Don't read the book without a pencil and paper on hand. Do all the problems on the homework (without using the book). Do more problems than are on the homework. Find sources of extra problems.
2. Ask questions in class. Make a list of questions before coming to class. If your questions are not answered in class, come to my office hours. Don't hesitate to approach me about something you do not understand.
3. Volunteer for Calculus tutoring.
4. If you did very well in your Calculus courses, you should expect to spend about 10 hours a week doing work outside of class; if you did not do so well, you will need to spend much more time doing problems.