Introduction To Mathematical Modeling
- Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 80 pages
- 3 units
This course, Introduction to Mathematical Modelling, teaches the translation of scientific, physical, and mechanical problems into mathematical formulations using parameters. It covers model building methodologies, identification, problem-solving, cause-effect diagrams, and various equation types including algebraic, ordinary differential, and functional equations. Students will learn to identify different types of modeling and convert real-world problems into mathematical representations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of MTH308, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
MTH308 · UNIT 1: METHODOLOGY OF THE MODEL BUILDING
The concept of mathematical modelling is not a new one. The Chinese, the ancient Egyptians, Indians, Babylonians and Greeks indulged in understanding and predicting the natural phenomena through their knowledge of mathematics. The architects, artisans and craftsmen based many of their works of art on geometric principles.
What you should be able to do
- Identify different types of modeling.
- Convert real-world problems into mathematical formulations.
- Explain the importance and define mathematical modeling.
- Identify familiar formulas as mathematical models of real situations.
- Apply mathematical techniques to solve formulated problems.
- Interpret solutions in the context of real-world scenarios.
What it prepares you for
- Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Statistician
- Mathematical Modeler
- Engineering
- Finance
- Environmental Science
- Economics
- Computer Science
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 1: Solution of Problems, Course-Effect Diagrams, Equation Types, Algebraic, Ordinary Differential, Partial Differential, Difference Integral and Functional Equations
Requires a strong foundation in differential equations and calculus to understand the solutions and interpretations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 84 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Methodology of the Model Building · 3 hours
Define mathematical modeling and its importance.. Identify different types of modeling.. Convert real-life problems into mathematical formulations.. Familiarize yourself with mathematical models of real situations..
Unit 2: Identification and Formulation of a Model · 3 hours
Identify the essentials of a problem.. Differentiate essential characteristics from non-essential ones.. Formulate mathematical equations based on laws of nature or intuitive logic..
- Week 2Module 2:
Unit 1: Solution of Problems, Course-Effect Diagrams, Equation Types, Algebraic, Ordinary Differential, Partial Differential, Difference Integral and Functional Equations · 6 hours
Study the solution of problems.. Understand course-effect diagrams.. Familiarize yourself with equation types: algebraic, ordinary differential, partial differential, difference integral, and functional equations..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 1: Methodology of the Model Building · 6 hours
Review methodology of model building.. Practice converting real-life problems into mathematical formulations..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 2: Identification and Formulation of a Model · 6 hours
Review identification and formulation of models.. Practice identifying essential characteristics of problems..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 1: Solution of Problems, Course-Effect Diagrams, Equation Types, Algebraic, Ordinary Differential, Partial Differential, Difference Integral and Functional Equations · 6 hours
Review solution of problems and equation types.. Work through examples of algebraic, ordinary differential, and partial differential equations..
- Week 6Module 1:
Unit 1: Methodology of the Model Building · 6 hours
Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) 1.. Focus on applying methodology of model building to new problems..
- Week 7Module 1:
Unit 2: Identification and Formulation of a Model · 6 hours
Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) 2.. Focus on identifying and formulating models for new scenarios..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 1: Solution of Problems, Course-Effect Diagrams, Equation Types, Algebraic, Ordinary Differential, Partial Differential, Difference Integral and Functional Equations · 6 hours
Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) 3.. Focus on solving problems using different equation types..
- Week 9Module 1:
Unit 1: Methodology of the Model Building · 6 hours
Review all units in Module 1.. Focus on key concepts and problem-solving techniques..
Unit 2: Identification and Formulation of a Model · 6 hours
Review all units in Module 1.. Focus on key concepts and problem-solving techniques..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 1: Solution of Problems, Course-Effect Diagrams, Equation Types, Algebraic, Ordinary Differential, Partial Differential, Difference Integral and Functional Equations · 6 hours
Review all units in Module 2.. Focus on key concepts and problem-solving techniques..
- Week 11Module 1:
Unit 1: Methodology of the Model Building · 6 hours
Practice solving problems related to mathematical modeling.. Review examples from the course material..
- Week 12Module 1:
Unit 2: Identification and Formulation of a Model · 6 hours
Work on additional exercises and examples.. Focus on areas where you need more practice..
- Week 13Module 2:
Unit 1: Solution of Problems, Course-Effect Diagrams, Equation Types, Algebraic, Ordinary Differential, Partial Differential, Difference Integral and Functional Equations · 6 hours
Final review of all course material.. Prepare for the final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and understand the solutions.
- Focus on understanding the different types of equations and their applications.
- Practice converting real-world problems into mathematical formulations.
- Create concept maps linking different modeling methodologies.
- Allocate specific time slots for focused study and problem-solving.
Questions students ask about this course
What is MTH308 about?
This course, Introduction to Mathematical Modelling, teaches the translation of scientific, physical, and mechanical problems into mathematical formulations using parameters. It covers model building methodologies, identification, problem-solving, cause-effect diagrams, and various equation types including algebraic, ordinary differential, and functional equations. Students will learn to identify different types of modeling and convert real-world problems into mathematical representations.
How many units does MTH308 have?
MTH308, Introduction To Mathematical Modeling, has 3 units across 2 modules, over 80 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is MTH308?
MTH308 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Sciences.
Is MTH308 hard?
MTH308 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.
How long does MTH308 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 3 units.
How is MTH308 assessed?
MTH308 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with MTH308?
Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Statistician and Mathematical Modeler.