What This Document Is
This is a syllabus for MA 354-101, Computer Assisted Math Modeling, offered at the University of South Alabama. It outlines the course structure, expectations, and logistical details for the Spring 2011 semester. This document serves as a foundational guide for students enrolled in, or considering enrollment in, this upper-level mathematics course. It details the administrative framework for a course focused on applying mathematical principles to real-world scenarios using computational tools.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is crucial for prospective students to understand the course’s scope and demands *before* registering. Currently enrolled students will benefit from regularly referencing it throughout the semester to stay informed about grading policies, assignment deadlines, and course expectations. It’s particularly helpful for students who want to assess if their prior coursework (specifically MA 227 and MA 238) adequately prepares them for the course’s challenges. Understanding the course objectives and required software will help students prepare effectively.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This syllabus provides an overview of the course but does *not* contain the actual course content, lecture notes, homework assignments, or project details. It outlines the *types* of projects students will undertake, but doesn’t reveal the specific problems or datasets used. The detailed course schedule mentioned is dynamic and subject to change, so the syllabus offers a tentative overview rather than a fixed plan. It also doesn’t include solutions or worked examples.
What This Document Provides
* Course logistics: including class meeting times, location, and instructor contact information.
* A description of the course’s focus on mathematical modeling, deterministic and stochastic models, optimization, and simulations.
* Information regarding required and recommended software (Excel, PowerPoint, Mathematica, or Matlab).
* An overview of the course objectives, emphasizing both analytical and numerical approaches to modeling.
* A list of potential modeling project topics, spanning areas like population growth, drug dosage, and chaos theory.
* Details regarding presentation requirements, including the scope and timing of student presentations.
* Policies regarding homework, modeling projects, and late submissions.
