MAMO1100 Introduction to Modeling and Computing Course description

The course gives an introduction into how we build, implement, and analyze mathematical models. In the course, students will explore mathematics and mathematical models using mathematical methods, programming and visualization. The topics addressed will prepare and motivate students for further studies in mathematical modeling and data science.

Language of instruction: Norwegian

None.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The student can:

• explain what is meant by a mathematical model and provide examples of mathematical models
• describe the modelling process
• explain the concepts iteration and convergence in connection with numerical methods
• explain the difference between a deterministic simulation and a probabilistic simulation.

Skills

The student can:

• use mathematical methods and programming to acquire knowledge about mathematical models
• implement mathematical models on a computer, perform simulations and visualize results
• solve equations numerically and estimate numerical values of derivatives and of definite integrals
• explore recursive relations using programming
• develop, analyze and interpret mathematical models from data sets

General competence

The student can:

• translate simple practical problems into mathematical form
• explain and use basic numerical algorithms that contain assignment, if statements and for- and while-loops
• evaluate results from mathematical computations
• read and understand texts on simple mathematical models.

Lectures and laboratory exercises

The teaching is given in weekly sessions consisting of a lecture and a laboratory exercise. In the lectures new material is reviewed and discussed. In the laboratory exercises students work together on solving problems which require the combined use of pen and paper and programming on a computer .

The following coursework is mandatory and must be approved to be eligible for the exam:

• Presence in at least six out of eight laboratory exercises
• One mandatory group assignment where
  • each group consists of 1 to 4 students
  • the assignment is submitted as a report of 6-12 pages
  • the assignment can be re-submitted once if it is not accepted.

Individual oral examination of 15-20 minutes consisting of a presentation by the student and consecutive questions. The examination result cannot be appealed.

In the case of a new or postponed examination, a different examination format may be used, or a new assignment with a new deadline may be given. If an oral examination is used, it cannot be appealed.

The student may use his/her own computer for the presentation.

Pass/fail.

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used regularly.

Leiv Øyehaug