What is a course in math modeling like compared to physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the differences between a mathematical modeling course and a physics course, focusing on the content and applications of mathematical modeling. Participants share their experiences and perspectives on the nature of mathematical modeling, including its relevance to real-life situations and its distinction from physics-related topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe mathematical modeling as applying mathematics to real-life situations, contrasting it with physics.
  • One participant raises a question about whether mathematical modeling focuses on modeling with math or on models in math.
  • Examples of mathematical modeling applications include modeling control systems for blood sugar regulation and interactions between populations, which some argue are not related to physics.
  • Another participant expresses curiosity about the specific topics covered in a mathematical modeling course and mentions a previous discussion about a lexicon of differential equations across various fields.
  • One participant suggests that a mathematical modeling course may involve deciding on and creating mathematical models based on data points.
  • A participant shares a link to a syllabus for a mathematical modeling course, indicating interest in its content.
  • There is an acknowledgment of a previous comment that was perceived as harsh, with an apology issued by the participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between mathematical modeling and physics, with some emphasizing that many mathematical applications do not involve physics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific content and focus of mathematical modeling courses.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various applications of mathematical modeling without reaching a consensus on the core differences from physics. There are also mentions of specific examples and a syllabus, but no definitive conclusions are drawn about the overall scope of mathematical modeling courses.

Vitani11
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In a mathematical modeling course (intended for applied mathematics majors at my school) you apply math to real life situations. I am a physics major so I know what goes on there, but how is math modeling different?
 
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Vitani11 said:
In a mathematical modeling course (intended for applied mathematics majors at my school) you apply math to real life situations. I am a physics major so I know what goes on there, but how is math modeling different?
Is it about modelling with math or models in math?
 
For mathematical modeling, you may be asked to model a control system for how the body (healthy or diabetic) regulates blood sugar. An interesting problem but it has little to do with physics. You might be asked to model interactions between various populations with different culture and characteristics competing in a given area. Another interesting problem but it has little to do with physics.

Get the point. There are many applications of mathematics that do not involve physics.
 
Obviously. Was just wondering what type a math modeling course covered. You answered and added an extra "Get the point" which is pathetic. But thank you for the first part.
 
Vitani11 said:
Was just wondering what type a math modeling course covered.
I remember a post in which a member asked, whether there is a sort of a lexicon where all differential equations used in the various realms were listed. I named a few which came to my mind, many within but even more apart from physics, and soon realized, that such a book would be of multiple volumes.
 
Course on Mathematical Modeling? Course just dedicated to how to decide on and make a Mathematical Model?

You have some two-dimensional data points of temperature haze point and concentrations of alcohol corresponding to each. Maybe plotting these points will give a pretty graph. Once the graph is made, the points appear to suggest maybe a degree-two polynomial function. Maybe you would like to find a good approximation for this function.
 
Sorry about the "get the point". Reading the post again, I see how I was harsh. I did not mean for it to be interpreted that way. I will be more careful in the future. I apologize.
 
You want to know what a Mathematical Modeling course covers?
Well, here's a sample syllabus for an equivalent course offered at Illinois Tech: https://science.iit.edu/sites/science/files/elements/am/courses/syllabus_math_486_sp12.pdf
 
The course in the link sounds interesting. It was given in 2009,, a long time ago
 

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