MATH 336 Modeling the Dynamics of Life
This course teaches open-ended applications of mathematics, discusses the the processes and art of model building, and focuses on investigatory teaching of the mathematics underlying dynamic modeling of biological, environmental, economical, sociological, and physical systems. Students learn how to translate an imprecise, complex, multivariate real-world situation into a simpler, more clearly defined model and evaluate the model for consistency and relevance. Students will use systems thinking software to build mathematical models representing a particular phenomenon, test constructed models using interactive simulations, and analyze data obtained from the model in light of the real-world setting. Modeling problems will be selected from different subjects: physics, biology, environmental science, business, and economics.
Prerequisite
MATH 113 or higher and good algebraic skills