Upon completion of this course, each student will have met the following objectives:

• The student demonstrates understanding of the mathematical modeling process.
• The student identifies connections between mathematics and other disciplines.
• The student applies the mathematical modeling process to a variety of situations from the real world.
• The student recognizes when different real-world situations may be represented by the same model.
• The student recognizes that some real world situations may be represented by several different models.
• The student knows the strengths and limitations of mathematical modeling as a method for solving real-world problems.
• The student is adept in using some technological tools, such as calculators, computers, and automated data gathering devices, in problem solving.
• The student uses a variety of mathematical techniques in modeling and problem solving.
• In modeling from data, the student:
• models real phenomena with a variety of functions;
• represents and analyzes relationships using tables, rules, and graphs;
• translates among tabular, symbolic, and graphical representations of functions;
• analyzes the effects of parameter changes on the graphs of functions;
• uses curve fitting to predict from data;
• transforms data to aid in data interpretation and prediction;
• develops and employs criteria for "goodness of fit."
• In modeling from theory, the student employs:
• linear, power, exponential, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations;
• function notation;
• matrices;
• graphs and diagrams;
• probability simulations;
• difference, or differential, equations;
• appropriate software (spreadsheets, Maple, Derive, Mathematica, Stella, etc.);
• The student skillfully communicates mathematical ideas and approaches to problem solving both orally and in writing.
• The student critically evaluates mathematical models and comments on their strengths and limitations.

 

 

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