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Mathematical Modelling (Math1013) Course Outline
Mathematical Modelling (Math1013) Course Outline
1 Introduction
MATH1013 is a 3 credit point unit of study that covers the topic of Mathematical Modelling.
Mathematical models are used in almost all branches of the natural and social sciences. A
mathematical model uses various types of equations to capture relevant aspects of some
system in order to better understand its properties, or, to make predictions about its behaviour.
One of the most challenging and exciting aspects of modelling is to create a model that is
simple enough to use, but sophisticated enough to describe interesting properties of the system.
In this course, we will look at the two most common ways in which systems are modelled. The
fi rst uses functions to describe how some property changes with time (for example, using an
exponential function to describe the increase in carbon-dioxide concentrations). The second
uses sequences of values to describe the system at equally spaced intervals in time (for
example, using a geometric progression to describe the annual population of Australia).
1.1 Assumed Knowledge and Prohibitions
Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics or MATH1111
Prohibition: May not be counted with MATH1003, MATH1903, MATH1907.
In the MATH1013 course students will learn and use the following mathematical techniques
and skills.
1. Recognise simple models for growth and decay, including differential equations for
linear and exponential growth and recurrence relations for arithmetic and geometric
growth;
2. Write down general and particular solutions to simple models of growth and decay;
3. Determine the order of a differential equation or recurrence relation;
4. Find the equilibria (steady state and fixed point solutions) of simple differential
equations and recurrence relations, and analyse their stability using both graphical
methods and slope conditions;
5. Recognise separable fi rst-order equations and apply separation of variables to determine
the general solution;
6. Use partial fractions and separation of variables to solve certain nonlinear differential
equations, including the logistic equation;
7. Use a variety of graphical and numerical techniques to locate and count solutions to
equations, including the use of sign-change tests and monotonic functions;
8. Solve equations numerically by fi xed-point iteration, including checking if an iteration
method is stable;
9. Explore sequences numerically, and classify their long-term behaviour, including cycles;
10. Determine the general solution to linear second-order equations or simultaneous pairs of
first order equations, including recognising when the solutions are trigonometric.
Students enrolling in MATH1013 should be able to:
1. Solve quadratic equations;
2. Rearrange and solve simple equations involving powers, logarithms and exponential
functions;
3. Solve pairs of simultaneous equations in two variables;
4. Differentiate and integrate simple functions, including powers, exponentials, logarithms
and trigonometric functions;
5. Sketch simple functions using intercepts, asymptotes, turning points and points of
inflection;
6. Verify solutions to equations by substitution and verify inde nite integrals by
differentiation;
7. Distinguish between absolute and relative rates of change.
6. apply simple techniques in unfamiliar situations, including generalising from simple to complex systems and
verifying the generalisations;
7. combine two or more techniques or steps to complete a complex task, including using simple models as
building blocks;
8. use numerical exploration to aid in the understanding of the behaviour of models, including using tools, such
as calculators, efficiently to estimate and approximate.
Learning
Outcomes
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
A2.
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
A3.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
A4.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
A5.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
A6.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
B Information Literacy
B1.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
B2.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
B3.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
B4.
Consider the economic, legal, social, ethical and cultural issues in the
gathering and use of information.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
B5.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
C Communication
C1.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
C2.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
C3.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
C4.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
C5.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
C6.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
C7.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
D2.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
D3.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
E2.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
E3.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
E4.
Set achievable and realistic goals and monitor and evaluate progress
towards these goals.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
E5.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
Learning
Outcomes
1 Understanding science
1.1
1.2
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
2 Scientific knowledge
2.1
2.2
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
3.3
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
3.4
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
3.2
4 Communication
4.1
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
5.2
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
5.3
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8
For further details on course learning outcomes related to specific topics see LMS site and
Course Handbook.
3 Study Commitment
The current standard work load for a 3 credit point unit of study is 3 hours per week of
The current standard work load for a 3 credit point unit of study is 3 hours per week of
face-to-face teaching contact hours (2 lectures and 1 tutorial) and an additional 3 hours per
week of student independent study. Below is a breakdown of our expectations for this unit. It
should be noted that Independent Study is based on what we believe to be the amount of time
a typical student should spend to pass an item of assessment. Times are a guide only.
In class activities
Hours
Independent Study
Hours
26
13
Tutorials(12 @ 1 hr each)
12
12
12
Total
38
Total
37
Study Tips
You are now in control of your own study strategy, and as an adult learner it is up to you to
devise a study plan that best suits you. Many resources are available to assist your learning,
including a set of independent study exercises for you to complete.
Any questions?
Before you contact us with any enquiry, please check the FAQ page at
http://www.maths.usyd.edu.au/u/UG/JM/FAQ.html
Where to go for help
For administrative matters, go to the Mathematics Student Office, Carslaw room 520.
For help with mathematics, see your lecturer, or your tutor. Lecturers guarantee to be available
during their indicated office hour.
If you are having difficulties with mathematics due to insufficient background, you should go
to the Mathematics Learning Centre (Carslaw room 441).
Location
Lecturer
Consultation
to be advised
to be advised
to be advised
to be advised
to be advised
to be advised
TUTORIALS
One tutorial per week, starting in week 2. You should attend the tutorial given on your
personal timetable. Attendance at tutorials will be recorded. Your attendance will not be
recorded unless you attend the tutorial in which you are enrolled.
Tutorial sheets
The tutorial sheets for a given week will be available on the MATH1013 webpage by the
Friday of the previous week. You must take the current weeks sheet to your tutorial. The
sheet must be printed from the web.
Solutions to tutorial exercises for week n will usually be posted on the web by the afternoon of
the Friday of week n.
WEEK-BY-WEEK OUTLINE
Week Topic
1
5. separation of variables
6. simple linear models
7. partial fractions
8. the logistic function
10
11
12
13
Dr David
Easdown
david.easdown@sydney.edu.au
Teaching Staff
Room
Phone
Note
to be advised
to be advised
to be advised
6 Learning Resources
Textbook
No prescribed textbook.
Course notes
Poladian L. Mathematical Modelling. School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of
Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Available from Kopystop, 55 Mountain St., Broadway.
References
Adler FR, 2007. Modelling the Dynamics of Life. 2nd Edition. Brooks/Cole Publishers, USA.
Banner A, 2007. The Calculus Lifesaver. Princeton University Press.
Bittinger M, Brand N and J. Quintanilla, 2006. Calculus for the Life Sciences. Pearson.
Cohen D and J. Henle, 2005. Calculus: the Language of Change. Jones and Bartlett
Publishers, USA.
Hughes-Hallett et al., 2002. Calculus. 3rd edition. John Wiley and Sons Inc.
Web Site
It is important that you check the Junior Mathematics web site regularly.
It may be found through Blackboard, by following links from the University of Sydney front
page, or by going directly to http://www.maths.usyd.edu.au/u/UG/JM/
Important announcements relating to Junior Mathematics are posted on the site, and there is a
link to the MATH1013 page. Material available from the MATH1013 page may include
information sheets, the Junior Mathematics Handbook, notes, exercise sheets and solutions,
and previous examination papers.
7 Assessment Tasks
You are responsible for understanding the University policy regarding assessment and
examination.
Formative and Summative Assessment
Assessment in this unit will be both formative (for feedback) and summative (for marks).
Quizzes and assignments incorporate both formative and summative assessment. Formative
assessment provides feedback on your performance, and summative assessment comprises
marks for performance in assignments, quizzes and examinations, which will count towards a
final unit mark.
Percentage Mark
Due Date
Learning Outcomes
Quiz 1
15
Week 6
(week starting Sunday, 31 August 2014)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Quiz 2
15
Week 12
(week starting Sunday, 19 October 2014)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Homeworks
Weekly
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Assignment
Week 11
(week starting Sunday, 12 October 2014)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Final exam
55
Exam Period
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Your final raw mark for this unit will be calculated as follows:
Exam at end of semester: 55%
https://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/266&RendNum=0 and
https://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0.
The Faculty process is to use standards based assessment for units where grades are
returned and criteria based assessment for Pass / Fail only units. Norm referenced
assessment will only be used in exceptional circumstances and its use will need to be
justified to the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Special consideration for illness or
misadventure may be considered when an assessment component is severely
affected. Details of the information that is required to be submitted along with the
appropriate procedures and forms is available at:
https://sydney.edu.au/science/cstudent/ug/forms.shtml#special_consideration
Start by going to the Faculty of Science Webpage, and downloading the Special
Consideration pack at the link above.
Special Arrangements for Examination and Assessment. In exceptional
circumstances alternate arrangements for exams or assessment can be made. However
concessions for outside work arrangements, holidays and travel, sporting and
entertainment events will not normally be given. The policy, guidelines and application
form including examples of circumstances under which you might be awarded a special
arrangement for an examination or assessment task can be found at:
https://sydney.edu.au/science/cstudent/ug/forms.shtml#special_arrangements
Student Appeals against Academic Decisions. Students have the right to appeal any
academic decision made by a school or the faculty. The appeal must follow the
appropriate procedure so that a fair hearing is obtained. The formal application form can
be obtained at:
https://sydney.edu.au/science/cstudent/ug/forms.shtml#appeals
Relevant forms are available on the Faculty policies website
at https://sydney.edu.au/science/cstudent/ug/forms.shtml
Special consideration and special arrangements
Students who suffer serious illness or misadventure that may affect their academic
performance may request that they be given special consideration in relation to the
determination of their results.
Students who are experiencing difficulty in meeting assessment tasks due to competing
essential community commitments may request that special arrangements be made in respect
of any or all factors contributing to their assessment.
The Faculty of Science policies on these issues apply to all Mathematics and Statistics units of
study. Information relating to these policies, including the Application Packs and instructions
on how to apply, can be obtained from the Faculty of Science website.
Before applying for special consideration, please read the Faculty Policy, and the rest of this
section, to determine whether or not you are eligible. Note that occasional brief or trivial