Mathematical Modelling

An important component of mathematical education at all levels is the use of mathematics to model real-world situations. In this book the emphasis is on developing models which provide a means to analyze and answer questions posed in practical settings. It provides a compendium of case studies of mathematical models of varying degrees of sophistication and practicality. Teachers and students of mathematical modelling will find it a rich source of examples ranging from insulating houses to basketball and from modelling epidemics to studying the generation of windmill power. The case studies all arise from workshops organized by the editors on the teaching of mathematical modelling and a common feature of the studies is that they provide ample scope for group and project work as well as the use of microcomputers to study the models. The studies are intended to complement undergraduate courses and care has been taken so that any mathematical techniques which are used should be within the capabilities of students. This volume should be valuable to both teachers and practitioners of mathematical modelling by providing a fresh and challenging range of problems to work on with students.