Students

MATH604 – Mathematical Modelling

2019 – S1 Online

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor & Lecturer
The Anh Bui
Contact via Email
12 Wally's Walk 606
Rod Yager
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MAppStat or GradDipAppStat or MSc or MDataSc or MSc (Statistics Innovation)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to a range of mathematical techniques from algebra and calculus. Its focus is on the modern application of these ideas, with a particular emphasis on applications to problems in economics, business and finance, and provides a sound mathematical basis for further study in these areas. A key focus of the unit is the development of a sound grasp of how mathematics is used to provide sophisticated modelling of complex real problems. The algebra content of the course includes topics such as linear systems, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The study of these topics is applied to model various economic problems such as Leontief input-output models and dynamical systems used to predict long-term behaviours. The calculus content includes the development of the techniques of differentiation and integration with applications to constrained and unconstrained optimisation, including multivariable cases, and the development and application of a variety of useful approximation techniques. The techniques studied in the calculus course are used to study and solve a wide variety of economic and financial problems.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus
  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

General Assessment Information

HURDLES: This unit has no hurdle requirements. Your final grade is determined by adding the marks obtained for your assessments.

LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK: All assignments and assessment tasks must be submitted by the official due date and time. No marks will be given for late work unless an extension has been granted following a successful application for Special Consideration or by prior arrangement with the Unit Convenor. Please contact the Unit Convenor for advice as soon as you become aware that you may have difficulty meeting any of the assignment deadlines.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assessed Coursework 40% No See iLearn for schedule
Project 20% No Wk 8 - 29 April 2019
Final Assessment 40% No 11am 18th June, 2019

Assessed Coursework

Due: See iLearn for schedule
Weighting: 40%

There are ten major topics. Each has an associated on-line topic quiz containing a number of selected exercises to enable students to demonstrate mastery of the presented techniques and ideas. These are to be completed by the due date specified in iLearn. 

Students who have not submitted an on-line quiz by the due date specified will be awarded a mark of 0 except for cases where an application for special consideration is made and approved.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus
  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

Project

Due: Wk 8 - 29 April 2019
Weighting: 20%

The project is an extended application where students apply the mathematical skills they have learned to model and solve a number of real world problems.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus
  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

Final Assessment

Due: 11am 18th June, 2019
Weighting: 40%

This is a time limited final assessment at the end of the course covering all the topics studied during the semester. 

The assessment questions will be made available in iLearn at 9am on Monday 17th June, 2019. The 26-hour time frame allows for students who are working or have other commitments that impact their availability during the allocated time period.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus
  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

This is an online course - there are no classes. The schedule of material to be completed is available in iLearn.

Required Texts and Materials

There are two textbooks that are required for this course:

  • Margaret Lial, Raymond N. Greenwell & Nathan P. Ritchey: "Calculus with Applications: Pearson Global Edition" (11e) (ISBN: 9781488686368)
  • Howard Anton & Chris Rorres: "Elementary Linear Algebra: Applications Version", 11th Edition (ISBN: 9781118938881)

Access to MyMathLab and WileyPLUS for the two texts is a compulsory requirement. Students will not be able to complete the required assessment tasks without access. Details of access/textbook options are provided in iLearn.

Technology requirements

Students will require a computer with internet access to enable participation in the course. A calculator with a range of mathematical functions will also be needed. There is no need for a graphing or programmable calculator.

Course material and assessments are provided via the learning management system (iLearn), WileyPlus and Pearson MyMathLab.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed Coursework
  • Project
  • Final Assessment

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus
  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed Coursework
  • Project
  • Final Assessment

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus
  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed Coursework
  • Project
  • Final Assessment

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Development of a range of algebraic skills and proficiency in algebraic techniques applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Systematic understanding of linear equations and the properties of linear models applicable to Economics, Finance and Statistics
  • Apply a wide range of techniques and ideas from differential and integral calculus to the analyse business, economic and financial data
  • Investigate a range of optimisation problems using the techniques of calculus
  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed Coursework
  • Project
  • Final Assessment

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Formulate models of a variety of real world situations using techniques from differential equations.

Assessment task

  • Project

Readiness for Unit

This unit aims to make you familiar with concepts in calculus and linear algebra and their applications. These topics are typically covered in first year mathematics courses.

If it has been some time since you last studied mathematics, or you have never studied calculus, it is recommended that you do some prepartory work prior to the commencement of this unit.

Macquarie University Numeracy Centre offers an appropriate bridging course (Extension Stream of the Preparatory Course in Mathematics) for this purpose. The course is offered two weeks prior to the commencement of each semester: numeracy centre course details

There are also preparatory and revision exercises in iLearn, available for enrolled students two weeks prior to the commencement of semester.

Students who prepare (and persevere) successfully complete this course even after entry into the unit with a non-calculus mathematics background.

Research and Practice

The development of appropriate mathematical models, and and understanding of their properties, together with an appreciation of the underlying assumptions and the impact that any discrepancy between these assumptions and reality may have on the results are key aspects of practice and research in Actuarial science. 

This unit focuses on equipping students with these skills and providing opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate these skills through the exploration of a range of techniques applied to case studies. While many of these will be contrived to reduce the complexity to a level that can be analysed with the limited range of tools that can be developed in a one-semester gateway unit, there will be an emphasis on real world problems and the development of good research and professional practice.