MXN423 Advanced Mathematical Modelling
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | MXN423 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $578 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,528 |
| International unit fee | $4,632 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MXN423 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Michael Bode | michael.bode@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit provides a framework for you to undertake advanced level coursework in mathematical modelling and enables you to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in problem formulation, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication in an advanced mathematical modelling context. It links to studies in applied mathematics and modelling work previously undertaken in an undergraduate mathematics degree and can link forwards to the kind of mathematical modelling employed in industry and in academic research. This advanced unit is also designed to complement a research project in applied and/or computational mathematics and aims to prepare you for further research studies at Masters or PhD level or a career in industry.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Formulate and develop an appropriate mathematical model for a problem under investigation, and appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of a given mathematical model.
- Analyse and solve a given mathematical model using appropriate analytical and numerical techniques.
- Interpret solutions to mathematical equations in terms of the original application under investigation.
- Demonstrate independence and self-reliance in retrieving and evaluating relevant information and in advancing your learning.
Content
In order for you to develop expertise in developing modelling strategies for a variety of problems, the unit will cover a selection of the following (or related) topics:
1. Modeling and simulation of fundamental aspects in cell biology and physiology
2. Numerical solution of stochastic differential equations
3. Mathematical models of interacting populations in epidemiology
4. Spatial pattern formation and travelling waves with reaction diffusion systems
5. Mathematical models of complex chemical reaction networks
6. Oscillations in nonlinear ODE systems
7. Mathematical models of natural resource and conservation management
Learning Approaches
This unit involves a combination of lectures and reading material where theory and concepts will be presented, and where you will be exposed to the processes required to solve problems using the methods of this unit.
The teaching and learning approaches will foster both acquisition of new knowledge at an advanced level and development of your skills. The material presented will be context-based utilising examples from a range of mathematical and real-world applications. 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.
You are expected to work not only in any lecture/workshop session times allocated, but also in your own private study time. That is, you are expected to consolidate the material presented by working through a wide variety of exercises, problems and online learning activities in your own time.
For more information regarding expected volume of learning for this unit, please consult QUT Manual of Policies and Procedures, Section C/3.1.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
You will submit several small tasks that give you the opportunity to apply the mathematical modelling skills you have developed in this unit.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Project (applied)
This assessment item reflects two facets of applied mathematicians, namely; 1) the process of turning a real-world problem arising from a complex system into an adequate mathematical description; and 2) the grasp of advanced mathematical and computational techniques that enable complex systems to be modelled, simulated, and analysed with an accuracy and level of detail suited to the investigation. You will be confronted with a real problem from the research literature and/or from research topics drawn from the lecturers' expertise, and be expected to demonstrate your capability to model, solve, and communicate the results of your mathematical and computational experimentation.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.