THIS IS HOW WE ROLL . . .   

 MATH 489

Special Topics: Mathematical Modeling

Fall 2007

MATH 489 explores the fundamental concepts and techniques of applied mathematics through the construction and analysis of mathematical models for population dynamics and mechanical vibrations.  The mathematical skills developed will involve difference equations, ordinary differential equations, nonlinearities, equilibrium solutions and stability, linearization, and phase plane analysis. An essential reason for studying mathematics lies in its applications. By investigating two natural models in physics and biology, students have an opportunity to develop and process mathematics by making observations, carefully formulating a model, obtaining a solution, and then interpreting the validity of that model in an attempt to make reasonable predications about a physical system.  The course seeks to enable students to make connections and form relationships between mathematics, models, and science.