Mt/CS 410 Mathematical Modeling - Fall 2002

Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY
Sr. Barbara E. Reynolds, Ph.D.

Course Description

(as found in the Cardinal Stritch University Catalog for Undergraduate Studies 2000 - 2002)

Mathematical modeling is a mathematical tool for solving real world problems. In this course, students study a problem-solving process. They learn how to identify a problem, construct or select appropriate models, figure out what data needs to be collected, test the validity of a model, calculate solutions and implement the model. Emphasis lies on model construction in order to promote student creativity and demonstrate the link between theoretical mathematics and real world applications.

Mt/CS 410: Mathematical Modeling Syllabus.

Weekly Course Assignments

Assignment 1: The Modeling Process
Assignment 2: Modeling Change
Assignment 3: Discrete and Continuous Change
Assignment 4: Dynamical Systems and Proportionality
Assignment 5: Proportionality and Geometric Similarity
Assignment 6: Using Graphs to Fit a Model to Data
Assignment 7: Comparing Several Models: Criteria for "Best" Model
Assignment 8: One-Term and Polynomial Models: Choosing a Model
Assignment 9: Midsemester Reflection and Simulation Modeling

Assignment 10: Optimization Problems and Linear Programming Methods
Assignment 11: Population Growth and Dimensional Analysis

Projects

Project Report Format and Grading Criteria

Projects 1 and 2: The Modeling Process (available August 27, due September 3 and September 10, respectively)
Project 3: Loan Insurance Analysis (available September 10, due September 24)
Project 4: On Being the Right Size (available September 19, due Thursday, October 3)
Project 4 - Reprise: On Being the Right Size: Part 2 (available October 8, due Tuesday, October 15)
Project 5: The Tape Deck Problem (available October 8, due Thursday, October 24)
Project 6: Simulation Modeling (available October 29, due Tuesday, November 12)
Project 7: This project will be replaced by class activities and homework exercises.
Final Project: Several Choices (available November 19, due December 3)

Study Guides for Tests

Study guides for each test will be posted one week before each scheduled test.

Study Guide for Benchmark Test #1 will be available August 27. The window-of-opportunity for this benchmark is September 3 through September 13.
Study Guide for Test #1 will be available by Wednesday, October 2. This test will be given in class on October 8.
Study Guide for Test #2: This test will be given in class on Tuesday, November 5.
Study Guide for Benchmark Test #2 is NOW AVAILABLE. The window-of-opportunity for this benchmark is December 2 through December 9.
Study Guide for Final Exam is NOW AVAILABLE. The cumulative final exam for this course is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Return to Sr. Barbara E. Reynolds Home Page.
Return to course list for 2002 -- 2003.
Go to Mt/CS 410: Mathematical Modeling Syllabus.
Return to Mt/CS 410: Mathematical Modeling Assignments.

The easiest way to contact me is to send an email message to Sr. Barbara E. Reynolds.

This page was updated on November 21, 2002.