Course syllabus

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About the course

Mathematical models are used in science and engineering to describe and represent different objects and systems, to analyze, understand and predict, and for finding the best design or strategy. Mathematical modelling is therefore a basic engineering skill. The course also aims to develop a problem solving ability with a particular attention to problem solving in engineering. The problems are taken from several different areas to create variation and to make it possible to see patterns in modelling and problem solving across different areas of application.

The core of the course is a number of application oriented problems, which are used as a starting point for the student's own learning. The problems have been carefully selected to develop the student's own skills in modelling and solving problems in a investigative way. We also have lectures which provide a broader understanding, follow-up and perspective.

The overall structure of the course is given by the two-week modules:

1. Mixed modelling problems I
2. Mixed modelling problems II
3. Engineering challenge
4. Engineering challenge: system perspectives
5. Individual summary (shorter task in the exam week)

The mixed problem modules will in their character be similar to the modules in the Applied mathematical thinking course. Modules 3 and 4 will be a mini-project in two parts, done in slightly larger groups. For detailed information about the modules see the Modules page (full module information will be published on Monday when the module starts).

Official course plan and course learning objectives

Here is the official course plan.

However, here is an updated set of course learning objectives for this course instance.

Knowledge and understanding

You should be able to:

  • Describe and reflect on the role of models in science, as well as the processes of modelling and problem solving (mainly the course literature and recap of the mathematical thinking course)
  • Describe some challenges of working with a practical engineering problem (engineering challenge)

Competence and skills

You should be able to:

  • Approach and make significant progress on complex mathematical modelling problems (module 1 and 2)
  • Approach and make significant progress on ill-structured practical engineering problems (engineering challenge - module 3)
  • Work with system aspects of engineering problems (engineering challenge - module 4)
  • Independently find, learn and use whatever knowledge you need to constructively approach the problem (engineering challenge)
  • Show basic skills to work in a group project (engineering challenge)
  • Use different computational tools as a natural part of your work

Judgement and approach

You should be able to:

  • Identify how own thinking can be used to solve a problem, and to what extent previous knowledge can be used
  • Evaluate your own work and the work of others
  • Show care for precision and quality in all work

Contact details and course representatives

Dag Wedelin (examiner and course responsible) dag at chalmers.se
Denitsa Saynova (TA) saynova at chalmers.se
Hugo Ganelius (TA) hugoga at chalmers.se

If you need help to find a group partner, or for administrative questions about assignments, groups etc., please contact Denitsa Saynova (first see the general instructions).

Course representatives:

TKGBS Signe Steindahl signe.steindahl at outlook.com
TKGBS Isa Wessén  isawessen at gmail.com 

Schedule

We will follow the Chalmers recommendations, and provide supervision on campus according to the TimeEdit schedule. If there is demard we will also consider to have some online support similar to what we did in Applied mathematical thinking.

Note that the schedule is a bit irregular and varies from week to week.

You can find links to TimeEdit and Zoom at the top of the home page.

Examination and grading

The course is examined continuously module by module through submissions and by attending compulsory activities. To pass the course, all modules must be submitted and pass.

For grading, points are awarded to each module as follows:

Module 1: pass 1p, good 2p, brilliant 3p
Module 2: pass 1p, good 2p, brilliant 3p
Module 3: pass 2p
Module 4: pass 2p
Module 5: pass 1p, good 2p, brilliant 3p

Final course grade:

7-8 points     → grade 3
9-10 points   → grade 4
11-13 points → grade 5

To pass you should from an overall course perspective:

  • Actively participate in the course activities
  • Spend appropriate time in the course
  • Show that you approach the intended learning outcomes to a significant extent.

For a higher grade:

  • Clearly show that you reach the learning outcomes
  • Worked with a varied set of tasks (subject to the character of each task)
  • Responsibility, engagement, initiative, originality
  • For the highest grade distinguish yourself in several of the above areas

These general criteria are adapted to different parts of the course as appropriate.

If you should not complete the course in time, and need to come back next year, it is in your best interest to keep copies of your solutions to enable future assessment.

Course literature

Lundh, Gerlee: Vetenskapliga modeller (2012). Should be available at Cremona.

Changes made since the last occasion

Main changes:

  • New course literature about modelling
  • Improved feedback on modules with peer feedback
  • Updated grading system for modules
  • A new final individual summary

 

Course summary:

Date Details Due