MXB225 Modelling with Differential Equations 1

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Differential equations are commonly used to formulate mathematical models of real-world phenomena from across science, engineering, economics and beyond. This unit builds on your earlier studies of differential equations to consider how such models are constructed, how to obtain analytical solutions, and how to use these models and their solution to gain insight into real-world processes.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the classification and of the variety and applicability of solution techniques for ordinary differential equations.
2. Formulate problems mathematically using differential equations, and apply techniques to reduce or transform the equations to a soluble form.
3. Critically select and apply appropriate solution and analysis techniques for differential equations and use these tools to analyse the dynamics of real systems.
4. Communicate in writing the assumptions, outcomes and interpretation of results of modelling real phenomena with differential equations.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit blends interactive class discussion and technology-enhanced learning with presentation of theory, concepts and applications. In lectures, real-world mathematical models will be derived, discussed and used to motivate the theoretical content. Methods of solution and analysis will be developed, with technology used to aid in the understanding of concepts through visualisation and manipulation of representative solutions. Through mathematical analysis of general solution properties, you will gain an appreciation for the power of mathematical modelling at yielding new insights into real-world problems.
Workshops will provide students with the opportunity to explore these ideas further. The emphasis will be on learning by doing, learning in groups and as individuals, written and oral communication, and developing skills and attitudes to promote life-long learning.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative feedback will be provided for the in-semester assessment items by way of written comments, student perusal of marked assessment pieces and informal interview as required.

Summative feedback will be provided throughout the semester with progressive posting of results via Canvas.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment items in this unit are designed to determine your level of competency in meeting the unit learning outcomes while providing you with a range of tasks with varying levels of skill development and difficulty.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Quiz/Test

This assessment will consist of a number of mini-quizzes to be completed individually. The quizzes will generally consist of traditional problem-solution based exercises.

The late submission period does not apply, and no extensions are available.

Assessment: Case Study

The Case Study will consider real-world problems for which differential equation models provide an appropriate means of problem description and resolution. It will provide you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to obtain and analyse solutions.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Timed Online Assessment

Exposition of techniques and problem solving, with a distribution of short and long answers required.

The late submission period does not apply, and no extensions are available.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer

1: Knowledge and Skill Base

1. 
   Relates to: Quiz/Test, Case Study, Timed Online Assessment

2: Engineering Application Ability

1. 
   Relates to: Quiz/Test, Case Study, Timed Online Assessment