Mathematical Modelling

Course aim

An introductory course in mathematical modelling through case studies. Students will learn how to determine which are the relevant features of a problem, choose the best mathematical tools to model the problem, how to implement the model, how to calibrate the model, the difference between predictive and descriptive models, the difference between discrete and continuous, deterministic and probabilistic models.

Course content

Model formulation and verification; different types of models (discrete and continuous, deterministic and probabilistic, predictive and descriptive); proportionality and geometric similarity; model fitting with splines; model fitting with the method of least squares; case studies including discrete, continuous, deterministic and probabilistic models.

Textbook(s)

Giordano, Weir, and Fox 2013, A First Course in Mathematical Modelling, 5th, Thompson/Brooks Cole

Prerequisite(s)

Common to all relevant programs
Subject Area & Catalogue Number	Course Name
COMP 1040	Programming Fundamentals
MATH 1054	Calculus 1
MATH 1056	Linear Algebra

Students need one semester of calculus, linear algebra, and programming experience. Courses in probability and Linear Programming are desirable, but not essential.

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Lecture	2 hours x 13 weeks
Lecture	1 hour x 13 weeks
Tutorial	1 hour x 12 weeks
EXTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES, ONLINE
Online	N/A x 13 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Assignment, Continuous assessment, Examination, Presentation

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 1)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window)

Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.