Mathematical modelling using scenarios, case studies and projects in early undergraduate classes

Fulford, G.R. (2024) Mathematical modelling using scenarios, case studies and projects in early undergraduate classes. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 55 (2). pp. 468-479.

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Abstract

Mathematical modelling has great potential to motivate students towards studying mathematics. This article discusses several different approaches to integrating research work with a second-year undergraduate, mathematical modelling subject. I found sourcing papers from the areas of epidemiology and ecology to be a fruitful source area, particularly models involving only two or three coupled differential equations. These models were amenable to students as well as interesting and relevant to students because they came from real research papers. I will describe the use of scenarios and case studies in lectures, and group projects for assessment. The scenarios and case studies were published in a textbook that I wrote. Scenarios, case studies and projects provided an opportunity to expose students to some novel applications of differential equations. One example is developed here as a Classroom Note: modelling the dynastic cycles in Chinese history.

Item ID: 80884
Item Type: Article (Short Note)
ISSN: 1464-5211
Keywords: case studies, dynastic cycles, Mathematical modelling, projects
Copyright Information: © 2023 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
Date Deposited: 26 Feb 2024 23:25
FoR Codes: 49 MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES > 4999 Other mathematical sciences > 499999 Other mathematical sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280118 Expanding knowledge in the mathematical sciences @ 100%
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