MAT2096

Mathematical modelling A

Not offered in 1998

Dr Alistair Carr

4 points
* One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week
* First semester
* Gippsland/Distance (odd-numbered years only)
* Prerequisites: MAT1085 or GAS1615
* Prohibitions: MAA2051, GAS1621, GAS2624

Objectives The aims are that students will develop an understanding of the process of constructing a mathematical model; and will master the details of certain established, continuous models from the biological and physical sciences, and understand the assumptions and predictions of these models.

Synopsis This subject is intended to introduce students to the craft and practice of constructing and testing a mathematical model; the process of formulating a simple model is discussed using an outline `recipe'. Then students examine selected case studies, involving models drawn from areas such as population dynamics, animal and plant growth and planetary motion. Some general concepts used in analysing physical systems, such as those of conservation laws, interactions and rate equations, are discussed. Methods from single-variable calculus (particularly the solution of differential equations) are used to analyse the standard models.

Assessment Three assessment assignments: 60%
* One 2-hour examination: 40%

Recommended texts

Giordano F R and Weir M D A first course in mathematical modeling Brooks Cole, 1985