MATH 4470 Mathematical Modeling
This course introduces students to methods of mathematical modeling. The emphasis is on ways to analytically represent and study todays complex modeling problems, with cases from the natural and social sciences. Topics include the model building process, mathematical models of systems, and modeling data to discover properties and hidden characteristics. The calculus of finite differences and solutions to classes of difference equations will serve as the core mathematical theory taught in this course. The dynamics of certain linear and nonlinear models will be explored from various domains (e.g., population models, economic models, Markov models). The course will conclude with an introduction to mathematical graph theory and its application to modeling interacting and interdependent systems and networks.
Course overview
- Department
- Mathematics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically in the Fall, Periodically in the Spring
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
- Mathematics B.A.: 4000-level Mathematics elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Mathematics B.S.: 4000-level Mathematics elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Computer Science B.S.: Upper-level mathematics option (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.15 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.29 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Katherine Slyman | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 34 of 40 |
| Fall 2024 | Katherine Slyman | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 32 of 40 |
| Fall 2022 | Robert Gross | 2.4 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.1 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 8 of 9 |
| Spring 2022 | Paul Garvey | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 15 of 22 |
| Fall 2021 | Paul Garvey | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 16 of 22 |