An Introduction to Applied Mathematics

for Students with Calculus

by
Robert E. White
white@math.ncsu.edu
North Carolina State University
http://www4.ncsu.edu/eos/users/w/white/www/white/ma325.htm
Great math stamps at Jeff Miller’s www site: http://jeff560.tripod.com

Introduction to Applied Mathematics (MA 325)

Surveys applications of mathematics
Suitable for students who have taken multivariable calculus Introduces the Fourier heat law. Its discrete version is used
Student to formulate a cohesive plan of study to derive the explicit numerical method, which is
implemented in Matlab. Advective models of mass transfer
for the third and fourth years are described and implemented in one and two directions.
Five three-week modules on variety of applications Matrix model newu = A*u + d and stability analysis.

Module Attributes
The wave equation is developed. Parameter identification and
Mathematics as is needed inverse problems are formulated. There is a physical laboratory
component where real data is collected. Matlab is used to
Each module taught by different faculty
approximate the solutions of the resulting optimization problems.
More motivational than in depth content

Examples modules include Course Administration Faculty and Student Opinions

heat and mass transfer The elements of probability are Course coordinator: Faculty:
acoustics introduced including the Bernoulli selects faculty struggle to get the material at the correct
model and random walks. This is level
medical models then applied to financial models introduces new modules
and value of option contracts. good advising tool
mechanical vibration reads end of semester papers
an opportunity to advertise an upper level
probability and finance tabulates course grades
course
cryptography Module instructors:
Students:
population models prepare course material at the appropriate level
are from applied math, math education and
mathematics of visualization Introduces algebraic cryptography grades some traditional homework potential math majors
including the Hill cryptosystem, the Initial work load credit: may or may not like new instructor every
two-message problem and the RSA three weeks
Faculty Module Contributors cryptosystem. Maple is used to do one three-credit course
some symbolic calculations. exit interviews indicate this course was
J. P. Fouque equals
very useful in giving them information
M. Kang a single new module spread over three semesters and guidance

S. Lubkin
M. Olufsen
Images are represented by matrices,
E. Stitzinger which can be manipulated to modify
the image. Blurring, sharpening and
H. Tran
filtering are introduced. The FFT is
R. E. White developed and used to do frequency
filtering.