Mathematical Modeling

Catalog description

Introduction to the theory and practice of mathematical modeling. We compare and contrast different types of mathematical models (discrete vs. continuous, deterministic vs. stochastic), focusing on advantages, disadvantages, and limits of applicability for each approach. Case-study format covers a variety of application areas including economics, physics, sociology, traffic engineering, urban planning, robotics, and resource management. Students learn how to implement mathematical models on the computer and how to interpret/describe the results of their computational experiments.