Math 442 – Mathematical Modeling - Spring 2015
Instructor: Dr. Glenn Lahodny Jr.
Office: Blocker 211C
Office Hours: TR 9:00-10:00 AM or by appointment
Email: glahodny@math.tamu.edu
Website: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~glahodny/
Teaching Assistant: Corey Barrett
Email: coreyb@mail.math.tamu.edu
Meeting Time: MWF 9:10-10:00 AM
Location: Blocker 122
Recommended Texts:
 Mike Mesterson-Gibbons, A Concrete Approach to Mathematical Modeling, John Wiley & Sons,
2007. The Texas A&M University library has an electronic copy of this text.
 Helmut Kopka and Patrick Daly, Guide to LaTeX, Addison-Wesley, 2004.
 Rudra Pratap, Getting Started with MATLAB: A Quick Introduction for Scientists and Engineers,
Oxford University Press.
Catalog Description: Mathematical Modeling - The construction of mathematical models from areas
such as economics, game theory, integer programming, mathematical biology and mathematical physics.
Prerequisites: MATH 304 and 308 or equivalents.
Learning Outcomes: The main goal of this course is to introduce students to the techniques used in
mathematical modeling of physical systems. The primary topics to be covered are regression analysis,
difference equation theory, modeling with difference equations, ordinary differential equation theory,
modeling with ordinary differential equations, and stochastic modeling. Students will also gain
proficiency in the use of MATLAB and LaTeX.
Grading Policy: Students’ grades will be determined by their performance on homework assignments,
group project, midterm exam, and an individual final project.
Grade Distribution:
A – 90-100%
B – 80-89%
C – 70-79%
D – 60-69%
F – below 60%
Homework: 25%
Group Project(s): 25%
Exam(s): 25%
Final Project: 25%
Homework: Homework assignments will be made in class on Friday of each week. These assignments
will be collected in class the following Friday. Late homework assignments will not be accepted.
Group Project(s): There will be at least one group project this semester. Groups may consist of two to
three individuals. Individuals in the group may split the workload, but must each submit their own final
version of the project in order to receive credit.
Group Presentations: For each group project, students are expected to give an oral presentation to the
class. This presentation should be prepared using the Beamer document class in LaTeX. Each individual
in a group must participate equally in the presentation.
Exam(s): There will be at least one midterm exam this semester. Material on the exam will be similar to
the homework problems and examples presented in class.
Final Project: Each student must complete an individual final project by the end of the semester. The
final project could be developing a new mathematical model for a system of interest or extending an
existing mathematical model discussed in class. In either case, students are expected to write a formal
report describing their project using LaTeX. The final report should include a title, abstract, introduction,
methods, results, and conclusions sections which describe their project. Students are also expected to
give a short final presentation to the class describing their work on the project. This presentation must be
prepared using the Beamer document class in LaTeX.
Make-Up Policy: Make-up work will only be allowed for a university-approved absence. For
information regarding excused absences, please refer to http://studentrules.tamu.edu/rule7.htm.
Course Schedule: A schedule for the course will be updated on the course website. The course schedule
will depend on students' understanding and interest in the various topics.
Important Dates:
March 16-20 – Spring Break
April 3 – Reading day (no classes)
April 21 – Last day for all students to drop courses with no penalty (Q-drop).
May 5 – Last day of class
Academic Integrity: Students in this course are encouraged to discuss homework assignments and
solutions. However, students are not permitted to copy homework solutions from another student.
Students are not permitted to discuss any aspect of an exam until all students have completed the exam.
The penalties for violating this policy will range from an F on an assignment or exam to failing the
course. Always abide by the Aggie Code of Honor: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate
those who do.” For further information regarding academic integrity, please visit
http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal
anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with
disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a
learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you
have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room
B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information, please visit http://disability.tamu.edu. Students
should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office
hours.
Disclaimer: This syllabus provides a general plan for the course. Deviations may be necessary due to
time constraints, student ability, and student interest.