Mathematical Modeling

Students will define and offer solutions to real-world problems and give both a written and oral presentation of their solutions. Examples of problems to be studied are scheduling, portfolio investment, and reliability of machinery. Some of the following mathematical techniques will be used in the formation of the solution to the problems: these include but are not limited to stochastic processes, linear algebra, differential equations, dynamical systems, and probability theory. The entire class will be expected to offer written critiques of the work presented by each of the students. Students may take this class either as part of a proposed major in operations research or as part of their major in mathematics.