Spring 2002 MAT 401 Capstone Course: Topics in Mathematical Modeling
Section 001 Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-1:45

Sharon Crook
323 Neville Hall, 581-3919, crook@math.umaine.edu or First Class
Office Hours: Mondays 10:00 & Tuesdays 10:00 or by appointment
I am also in the math lab in Neville Hall on Thursdays at 2:00.

You may also approach the other professors who are involved in the course for help with assignments:
Bob Franzosa, Neville Hall 417, franzosa@math.umaine.edu
Bill Halteman, Neville Hall 334, halteman@math.umaine.edu
Grattan Murphy, Neville Hall 238, murphy@math.umaine.edu

Description: This course provides a unique opportunity for integrating different mathematical areas and for exploring the connections among mathematical and applied areas. Students will use innovative problem-solving techniques and appropriate technology to develop models for analyzing various systems. The course will also require the use of thoughtful writing and oral communication. The mathematical techniques used will include topics from discrete mathematics, differential equations, topology, numerical analysis, probability, and statistics. Prerequisites: MAT 261, MAT 262, and senior standing.
Grading:  All homework, classwork, and projects must be done neatly using correct English grammar and spelling. No late assignments will be accepted. Students may work together on assignments but all work must be done cooperatively; no copying is allowed.

Syllabus
The syllabus will be updated throughout the semester. For changes, see
http://www.umemat.maine.edu/faculty/crook/courses/mat401/mat401.html.
 



T 1/22 Introduction to Modeling Crook
R 1/24 Introduction to Modeling Crook
T 1/29 Technical Writing Brucher
Pulse and Blood Flow HW Assignment Due
R 1/31 Modeling Baseball Franzosa
T 2/5 Intro to Gummy Bears in Space
Halteman Pulse and Blood Flow HW Assignment Corrections Due
R 2/7  Linear Regression
Halteman
T 2/12 Multiple Linear Regression Halteman Project 1: Calibration of GB Launcher Due
W
2/13 Colloquium
Michael Warboys
Doing Geometry in Environmental Space
R 2/14 Building Models Halteman
T 2/19 Building Your Project Model Halteman Project 2: GB Launcher Data Due
R 2/21 Gummy Bears in Space Modeling Contest Halteman Baseball Game Rules Due
R
2/21
Colloquium
Jan Holly
The Mathematics of Perception
T 2/26 Topological Models Franzosa
R 2/28 Topological Models Franzosa Project 3: Written Report on GB Launcher Model Due
Topological Modeling HW Assignment Due
R
2/28
Colloquium
Murphy
What is Mathematical about Mathematical Finance?
T 3/5 Baseball Game Competition Franzosa
R 3/7 History of Modeling Atzema Baseball Game Report Due
T 3/12 SPRING BREAK

R 3/14 SPRING BREAK

T 3/19 SPRING BREAK

R 3/21 SPRING BREAK

T 3/26 Tips on Creating Models Murphy Modeling Contest Readings
R 3/28  More on Modeling Murphy
R
3/28
Colloquium
Sharon Crook
Modeling Frequency Encoding in Neurons
T 4/2 Creating a Model Formalism
Murphy Students Present Model Overviews
R 4/4 An modeling example: Pulling the Goalie
Murphy
T 4/9 Another modeling example Murphy
R 4/11 Presentation of Results Murphy Student Presentations Due
T 4/16 Presentation of Results
Crook
R 4/18 History of Modeling Discussion
Atzema History of Modeling Assignment Due
T 4/23  Intro to the phase plane
Crook
R 4/25 Group modeling projects: building models
Crook Phase Plane Homework Assignment Due
T 4/30 Tips for creating posters and presentations
Crook Poster choice due
T
4/30
End of Semester Cookout


R 5/2 Group modeling projects: model analysis
Crook Presentation Draft Revisions and Analysis Due
T 5/7 Exit Survey/Evaluations
Crook
R 5/9 Presentation of Results
Crook Model Reports Due
Final Exam Reception and Poster Session All Faculty Tuesday, May 14, 10:30-12:30