Math 5950-375 Monday evenings, 5:15 - 8:00 at the
Hickory Higher Education Center in Room 1111
Mathematical Modeling -- Analytical Models
Dr. Holly Hirst
COURSE GOALS:
The intent of this course is to introduce students to problems from the physical, biological and management sciences in which the mathematics of pre-algebra, algebra 1 and 2, pre-calculus, calculus and linear algebra are applied in the formulation and solution. The course is project based and so offers an opportunity for students to bring their mathematical skills to bear on some specific real world problems. This course in meant to be a companion course for Math 5951 (Mathematical Modeling -- Empirical Models), in which modeling with data, probability and simulation are investigated. The courses may be taken in either order. In this course students will:
- learn about the modeling process;
- work individually and in groups on mathematical modeling problems from a variety of applications areas using mathematics ranging from pre-algebra to calculus and linear algebra -- in particular, problems in which the mathematical model has an analytical (equation or inequality) form
- review mathematics and computer/calculator skills from college level mathematics as needed;
- develop classroom modeling lessons for use in graduate 9-12 mathematics classes;
Final grades are based on scores on modeling projects (including mathematical solution and write-up) and scores on classroom modeling lessons (including teacher resources and student handouts). Thus the student will be required to demonstrate skill at modeling, skill at writing and presenting technical information, and skill at developing classroom modules. Deficiency in any one of these areas will result in significant reduction of final grade.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
Access to a graphing calculator, web browser, spreadsheet and wordprocessor
COURSE OUTLINE:
We will cover roughly in 3-week blocks: Modeling with Graphs and Functions,
Linear Models in Business and Science, and Modeling Change.
GRADING:
The course homework will constitute 85% of the grade of the course, with the final project (due May 1) being worth the other 15% of the grade.
GETTING HELP:
Dr. Hirst will be available at CVCC from 4:45-5:15 and from 8-8:45 for office hours. With advance notice, she can stay later. In addition, she can be reached between 8:30 and 5:30 other than Fridays at 828-262-3050 and in the evenings at home at 828-265-1349.(no calls after 9:30 p.m. please!) Her web site will be updated weekly to include assignments, readings, etc.:
http://www.appstate.edu/~hirsthp/
and she can be reached anytime via e-mail at HirstHP@appstate.edu.