APP MTH 4047 - Applied Mathematics Topic B - Honours

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

Please contact the School of Mathematical Sciences for further details, or view course information on the School of Mathematical Sciences web site at http://www.maths.adelaide.edu.au

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code APP MTH 4047
    Course Applied Mathematics Topic B - Honours
    Coordinating Unit Mathematical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 2.5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Restrictions Honours students only
    Assessment Ongoing assessment, exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Judith Bunder

    This is the same course as APP MTH 7045 - Applied Mathematics Topic B
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    In 2021, the topic of this course is Modelling Emergent Dynamics in Complex Systems

    In applying mathematics we have to choose a level of description, of modelling. This course explores the surprisingly subtle theoretical and practical connections between highly detailed, complicated, 'microscale' models and coarse, simple, 'macroscale' models. Further, much of the world around us evolves so that patterns emerge over time, whether coherent (stripes on a tiger, or quasi-stationary distributions) or incoherent (turbulence). We seek to find ways to mathematically model the macroscale coherent or incoherent behaviour that we see arising from microscale dynamics, and the relationship between them. What is the aggregate behaviour? How can the whole be more than the sum of its parts? This course explores how long lasting dynamics emerge after the decay of negligible transients. We find that coordinate transforms clearly separate transients from long-lasting dynamics, even stochastic. A range of examples illustrate that 'long lasting' and 'transient' are subjective decisions to take depending upon the application. Computer algebra handles the algebraic complexity. Starting from basic asymptotic perturbation methods, this course establishes theory and techniques of dimensional reduction for dynamical systems, and develops how these are applied in modelling dynamics in various scenarios. The detailed syllabus will be chosen interactively with students to reflect student projects and interests.

    Assumed knowledge: Modelling with ODEs; PDEs & Waves is useful; linear algebra.

    Learning outcomes

    On successful completion of this course students will be able to

    1. use deep discipline knowledge of mathematical modelling to create asymptotic solutions;
    2. critically invoke theory and techniques of dimensional reduction for modelling to explore and solve problems in dynamical systems.
    3. interpret and communicate the modelling and analysis of systems.
    4. use paradoxes in modelling to become aware of subjectivity in modelling.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    all
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    all
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    all
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    all
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Access to the internet.
    Recommended Resources
    • A. J. Roberts. Model emergent dynamics in complex systems. SIAM, Philadelphia, Jan 2015.
    Online Learning
    This course uses MyUni exclusively for providing electronic resources, such as lecture notes, assignment papers, and sample solutions.  Students should make appropriate use of these resources.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course relies on course notes and exercises as the primary learning mechanism for the material.  A sequence of homework, written, and/or online assignments provides assessment opportunities for students to gauge their progress and understanding.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
    ActivityQuantityWorkload Hours
    Lecture classes 30 100
    Assignments/assessment 5 56
    Total 156
    Learning Activities Summary
    1. basic asymptotic perturbation methods,
    2. theory and techniques of dimensional reduction for dynamical systems, and
    3. applications in modelling dynamics on a continuum and on network hierarchies.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    ComponentWeightingObjective assessed
    Assignments 30% all
    Exam 70% all
    Assessment Related Requirements
    An aggregate score of 50% is required to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment item  Distributed  Due date  Weighting
    Assignment 1   week 2   week 3   6%
    Assignment 2   week 4   week 5   6%
    Assignment 3   week 6   week 7   6%
    Assignment 4   week 8   week 9   6%
    Assignment 5   week 10   week 11   6%
    Submission
    Homework assignments must either be given to the lecturer in person or submitted via MyUni by the given due time.  Failure to meet the deadline without reasonable and verifiable excuse may result in a significant penalty for that assignment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M11 (Honours Mark Scheme)
    GradeGrade reflects following criteria for allocation of gradeReported on Official Transcript
    Fail A mark between 1-49 F
    Third Class A mark between 50-59 3
    Second Class Div B A mark between 60-69 2B
    Second Class Div A A mark between 70-79 2A
    First Class A mark between 80-100 1
    Result Pending An interim result RP
    Continuing Continuing CN

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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