MA422, Lia Vas    --     SYLLABUS

1. Prerequisites: MA201 or the permission of instructor

2.  Since the course is mostly based on material covered in class handouts and classwork, it is absolutely imperative that students attend all classes.  Students are responsible for all material covered in class, even if attendance is not checked or assignments collected.

3. There will be three assignments plus a student project + presentation. No assignment grade will be dropped. Assignments turned in after their due date will receive an automatic reduction in grade.  

4. NO TEXTBOOK REQUIRED. Handouts with class material and practice problems will be distributed for each teaching unit. However, some suggested readings include:

· D. Edwards and M. Hamson, Guide to Mathematical Modeling, Published by CRC Press, 1990.

· Giordano, Weir, and Fox, First Course in Mathematical Modeling , Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2003.

Other textbooks used for the class preparation include:

· M. M. Meerschaert, Mathematical Modeling. Academic Press, 1993. Academic Press, San Diego, 1999.

· M. Mesterton-Gibbons, A Concrete Approach to Mathematical Modelling, John Wiley, 2 edition, 1995.

· W. Boyce, R. DiPrima, Elementary Differential Equations, John Wiley & Sons.

· Edward A. Bender, An Introduction to Mathematical Modeling, Wiley, 1978 Published 2000 Courier Dover Publications.

· Rutherford Aris, Mathematical Modelling Techniques, Dover Publications; Rei Una edition, 1995.

5. More on Mathematical Modeling:

· Mathematical models are used widely in the natural, health and social sciences. The course will cover a variety of topics related to mathematical modeling and modeling techniques: discrete and continuous models, dynamical systems, stability of solutions, steady states.

· Algebra, trigonometry, and calculus techniques that students have encounter in previous courses will be used for successful mathematical modeling of more complex phenomena. Because of this, the course can be considered a continuation of earlier mathematics courses and the next step in building students' problem solving skills.

· The course provides the students interested in continuing their education at a graduate level wem with mathematical techniques that certain graduate programs use.

· The course emphasizes research ideas, not just mastering various techniques or methods. These ideas of problem solving are often used in various fields and will be a useful concept for students to acquire.

6. Academic integrity: Academic integrity is at the center of the educational experience at USciences. Students are therefore expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and not engage in or tolerate academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, fabrication, cheating or plagiarism. Any violation of academic integrity will be investigated and, where warranted, the student will receive appropriate sanctions through the University's Student Conduct Process. Please familiarize yourself with the current USciences Student Handbook. Adherence to the Student Conduct Policy and Academic Integrity Policy will help to ensure that your learning and living experiences are founded on integrity.

7. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Statement:  USciences supports the educational endeavors of all students, including students with disabilities. ADA defines a disability as a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If you believe that you have a disability that may impact your ability to fulfill your course or degree requirements, and you would like more information on applying for an accommodation under ADA, please contact the Administrator of Student Accommodations at 215-596-8758.

8. Course Objectives. The students will learn how to:

· identify a problem and choose an appropriate mathematical model,

· create a model that adequately describes the problem, using the appropriate technology if necessary,

· test the validity of the model,

· solve the problem using the appropriate technology if necessary,

· present the results orally, on computer and in a form of a written report.

Learning outcomes:

· Students will acquire knowledge of various mathematical concepts and modeling techniques required for successful application of mathematics.

· Students will be able to model data using the language and techniques of mathematics.

· Students will be able to understand and solve multidisciplinary application problems.

· Students will know how to use appropriate technology to solve problems applying techniques of mathematics.

· Students will demonstrate a proficiency in using mathematical software.

· Students will demonstrate ability to present their results in an oral presentation using a computer.

· Students will demonstrate ability to present their findings in a form of a written report.