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Courant Institute New York University FAS CAS GSAS

V63.0251: Introduction to Math Modeling

Term: Spring 2011
Lectures: MW 12:30pm-1:45pm in WWH 201
Recitations: Fr 12:30pm-1:45pm in WWH 201
Instructor: Prof. E. Tabak
Office: WWH 503
Office hours: To be arranged in class.
Phone: 212-998-3088
Email: tabak@cims.nyu.edu

Prerequisites

V63.0121 Calculus I, V63.0122 Calculus II and V63.0123 Calculus III with a grade of C or better or permission of the instructor

Course description

Formulation and analysis of mathematical models. Mathematical tool include dimensional analysis, optimization, simulation, probability, and elementary differential equations. Applications to biology, sports, economics, and other areas of science. The necessary mathematical and scientific background will be developed as needed. Students will participate in formulating models as well as in analyzing them.

Course Details

Textbook and Materials

No book required.

Homework

Assigned weekly

Exams

Final exam on Wed. May 11, 12:00-1:50pm

Grading policy

The results of homework, quizzes, midterm, and final will be combined

Calendar

Week Topic
1 Mathematical Models in the Physical Sciences: Traffic flow
2 Rivers and lakes. Conservation laws, shock waves.
3 Stochastic models. Markov chains. Population dynamics.
4 Equilibrium, oscillations, growth and decay.
5 Data fitting. Least squares. Regression and classification.
6 Probabilistic approach. Density estimation.
7 Maximal likelihood, information theory.
8 Introduction to Mathematical Models in Biology
9 Population dynamics, Predator-Prey Models
10 Optimization. Linear programming. Lagrange multipliers.
11 Duality. Game theory.
12 Project presentation.
13 Project presentation.