last edited: 4/2 2:20pm
<p>
Send me an e-mail if you have any questions.
<hr>
<h1>Math 385 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling</h1>
<p>
Class: MW 5:30PM - 6:45PM in SOND 108 (8/27-12/9/2025),
Instructor:
<a href="http://userpages.umbc.edu/~sousedik/">Bedrich Sousedik</a>

<hr>
This is a project-oriented course offering the opportunity to discover how various real-world problems can be described and analyzed with the aid of simple mathematical models and computer simulations. Possible project topics include operation of a fuse, spread of pollutants in a river, propagation of an infectious disease, traffic flow on a highway, oscillating chemical reactions, population growth in biology, etc.
<p>
Prerequisite: MATH 225 or MATH 355 with a grade of 'C' or better.
<p>
The detailed class syllabus (pdf) is <a href="385f25-syllabus.pdf">here</a>.
However, look below to see the actual progress of the class.
<hr>

<p>
<b>8/27</b> Introduction. 2.1 Mathematical Models. 
<p>
<b>9/1</b> Labor Day (no class).
<p>
<!--
<b>9/3</b> 2.2 Modeling using proportionality. 2.3 Modeling using geometric similarity. Hw 1 (due 2/5). 
<p>
<b>9/8</b> 2.3 Modeling using geometric similarity. 2.4 Automobile gasoline mileage.
<p>
<b>9/10</b> 2.4 Automobile gasoline mileage. 3.1 Fitting models to data graphically. Hw 2 (due 2/12). 
<p>
<b>9/15</b> 3.3-I Applying the least-squares criterion. 
<p>
<b>9/17</b> 3.3-II Applying the least-squares criterion. Hw 3 (due 2/19, extension 2/24).
<p>
<b>9/22</b> 6.1-I Probabilistic modeling with discrete systems. 
<p>
<b>9/24</b> 6.1-II Probabilistic modeling with discrete systems. Hw 4 (due 2/26).
<p>
<b>9/29</b> 7.1 An overview of Optimization modeling. 
<p>
<b>10/1</b> 7.2 Linear programming I: Geometric solutions. Hw 5 (due 3/5). 
<p>
<b>10/6</b> 7.3 Linear programming II: Algebraic solutions. 7.4 Linear programming III: the Simplex method. Hw 6 (due 3/26). 
<p>
<b>10/8</b> Review for Exam 1. 
<p>
<b>10/13</b> Exam 1. 
<p>
<b>10/15</b> 7.4 Linear programming III: the Simplex method.  Hw 7 (due 4/2). 
<p>
<b>10/20</b> 7.6 Numerical search methods. 
<p>
<b>10/22</b> 11.1 Population growth. Hw 8 (due 4/7).
<p>
<b>10/27</b> 11.4 Graphical solutions of autonomous differential equations. possibly: Hw 9 (due 4/16).
<a href="https://aeb019.hosted.uark.edu/pplane.html">Phase plane plotter</a>.
<p>
<b>10/29</b>  possibly: 12.1-2. Graphical solution of autonomous systems of first-order differential equations. A competitive hunter model. A predator-prey model.  Hw 10 (due 4/23). 
Some applications: 1. Epidemic modeling (<a href="https://jasmcole.com/2014/10/19/going-viral/">Going viral</a>), 2. Cardiac cell contractility, 4. Engineering computations (FEM + DD), 5. Uncertainty quantification, 6. Digital twins. Q: AI, data analytics.   
<p>
<b>11/3</b> Review for Exam 2. 
<p>
<b>11/5</b> Project presentation: Section 6.2. 
<p>
<b>11/10</b> Exam 2.
<p>
<b>11/12</b> Project presentation: Section 6.3.
<p>
<b>11/17</b> Project presentation: Section 9.1.
<p>
<b>11/19</b> Project presentation: Section 9.2.
<p>
<b>11/24</b>
<p>
<b>11/26</b>
<p>
<b>12/1</b> Project presentation: Section 9.3.
<p>
<b>12/3</b> Project presentation: Section 9.4.
<p>
<b>12/8</b> Project presentation: Section 10.1.
<p>

<p>
<b>5/7</b> Project presentation: Section 10.2.
<p>
<b>5/12</b> Project presentation: Section 10.3. <b> (The last class.) </b> 
-->

<!--Review. 
<p>
<b>Friday 5/16, 1-3pm in Fine Arts 303</b> Final (comprehensive).
-->