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 following modules:

1. Mixed modelling problems I  (two-week module)
2. Mixed modelling problems II  (two-week module)
3. Engineering challenge  (two-week module)
4. Engineering challenge: system perspectives  (two-week module)
5. Individual summary of the course literature  (not scheduled, can be done anytime)

The mixed problem modules are in their character be similar to the modules in the Applied mathematical thinking course. Modules 3 and 4 are 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 Mondays when the module starts).

Official course plan and course learning objectives

Here is the official course plan.

Here is also 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
  • Reflect on your experiences and evaluate your own work and the work of others, to independently see how you and others can improve
  • 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
David Wärn (TA)  warnd 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:

Moa Vinberg  moa.vinberg at hotmail.seJosef Winberg  josef.vaboholm at hotmail.se

Schedule

We provide supervision on campus according to the TimeEdit schedule. In the beginning of the course we will also have some complementary online support.

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

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

Examination and grading

The course is examined continuously module by module through submissions, which must all pass. There are also some other compulsory activities: follow-up lectures and feedback sessions with peer reviews for modules 1 and 2, group presentation and peer review for module 3.

The course grade is pass or not pass.

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.

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:

  • From 2023 the course grade is pass/not pass
  • A number of detailed updates: consequences of the simplified grading, moderating the workload, clarifications, improvements based on course feedback

 

Course summary:

Date Details Due