MTH3310 Applied mathematical modelling

This unit will broaden your exposure to the toolkit of applied mathematics techniques required to tackle various problems encountered in real-world modelling. Building on the prerequisite knowledge of linear algebra and multivariable calculus, you will learn methods for reducing real world problems into mathematical ones. You will then learn a broad range of analytical techniques focused on some commonly encountered systems in modelling. Some of these topics include analysing dynamical systems and partial differential equation models. Application areas include traffic modelling, heat flow, and other scientific and industrial problems. Whilst we will discuss various specific applications, the emphasis will be placed on mathematical methods and a unique quantitative perspective of scientific processes. You will have the opportunity to consider a specific real-world problem using your own mathematical modelling approach within a group of students. The topic of your problem is very open-ended and allows you a great degree of autonomy to pursue your collective interests.

Assessment will include an examination of the mathematical techniques, including several small in-class pieces of assessment designed to give feedback on your progress. However, the group project that you will undertake in this unit is designed to teach you to think critically and creatively in the exploration of ideas that are formulated as part of a group and you will be assessed on how well you express these ideas using a mathematics and modelling lens. Since mathematical modelling requires careful justification and communication as well as mathematical rigour, a focus will be placed in marking group assignments on how clearly you justify your hypotheses, how much insight you can demonstrate in your discussion and how accurately your modelling approaches agree with the ideas you are trying to explore. You will be required to demonstrate these skills both through oral and written assessment.