Math 396 

Students

Ron Buckmire: 
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Course Schedule

Syllabus

Math 396: SYLLABUS

The full hardcopy version of the syllabus for the class is available.

Goals:
The goals of this class are
  • provide students with the experience of using mathematics to solve an actual real world problem of their choice by
    •  developing, testing and implementing a mathematical model of their own devising
    •  performing calculations and evaluating their results for accuracy and appropriateness
  • assist in the preparation of students for a potential career in industrial or applied mathematics by
    • exposure to non-academic stakeholders in business, industry or government;
    • developing collaboration skills by working in small teams towards a common goal
    • improving communication skills (especially of mathematical/technical content)
Class Format:
This is not a typical mathematics class! Instead, the format of the class is what is known in some circles as a clinic. What this means is that the focus of the class is providing students with opportunities to learn by doing. In this class I want students to gain experience in how mathematics is used to solve real-world problems in business, industry or government (B.I.G.) and to develop and improve their skills for working in such environments in the future.
Class Structure:
Students will work together in collaborative groups to attempt to solve a real-world problem (of their choice) which has been provided by various clients from business, industry or government.
These problems are not well-posed and do not have clear solutions. Part of the task will be understanding the statement of the problem and converting it into a well-posed mathematical problem. There may be other frontiers of knowledge (biology, physics, economics, ecology, computer programming ) that have to be addressed in order to make reasonable progress on your selected problem.

These problems will involve doing research to learn what parameters and mathematical ideas can be used to solve the problem and then students will also need to learn the specifics of the mathematics and apply them correctly in order to present a solution to the client.

Almost certainly you will be spending far more time outside of class working on the problems than is scheduled for the class. Please take careful records of time spent on the following activities associated with this class (Team meetings; researching the background of your particular problem (literature, web, library, mathematics); Computer programming; Preparing progress reports; Preparing the final (written and oral) presentations).
Grade:
  • 20% Participation (team meetings, class meetings, online doumentation of work done)
  • 15% Progress Reports (at least one per team member)
  • 15% Mid-semester Written Presentation (due March 1)
  • 25% Final Written Presentation
  • 25% Final Oral Presentation

 

Last Updated  January 25, 2016