- An undergraduate course
in
Mathematics and Statistics
and
Science.
Mathematical modelling
- On this page
Mathematics is enjoyable and creative in its own right, but can also be a powerful tool for solving real problems. This week-long residential course equips you to tackle data and sensitivity analysis by introducing you to mathematical modelling. You'll learn to use mathematical software and acquire presentation and group-working skills. You'll also be expected to put together a short technical report. Most of the work will be collaborative, carried out in small groups with a tutor. You should have an understanding of applied mathematics and mechanics equivalent to the first half of Mathematical methods and models (MST209).
Modules at Level 2 assume that you are suitably prepared for study at this level. If you want to take a single module to satisfy your career development needs or pursue particular interests, you don’t need to start at Level 1 but you do need to have adequately prepared yourself for OU study in some other way. Check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service to make sure that you are sufficiently prepared.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | MSXR209 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| Residential school | |
Register for the course
What you will study
An example of a problem that can be understood better through mathematical analysis is that of the injection of medication. A mathematical model can be constructed which predicts how the concentration of the medication in the blood changes with time after an injection. This model can then be used to answer such questions as:
- how often should a specified amount of medication be administered to be effective?
- how much medication should be given if the period between injections is specified?
- what happens if the medication is given intravenously?
This course will give you an introduction to, and the experience to apply, mathematical modelling to a number of real problems. A significant part of the course is the writing of a report of a mathematical model that is initiated and developed at the residential school.
Other activities at the residential school include:
- an introduction to data modelling and analysis
- modelling simple dynamical systems and determining to what extent a real system behaves as the model predicts
- obtaining a physical feel for the behaviour of basic components of mechanics such as springs, friction, pulleys, masses, strings
- sensitivity analysis to identify the parameters in a model that have most effect on the outcome of the model.
A significant feature of the course is the development of communication and group working skills. You will be working, with tutor guidance, in a small group on the presentation (it can be oral or written or both) of the results of an activity carried out at the residential school. Deciding what information to present and how to do it efficiently are important skills.
Some of your work at the residential school will be in small groups and your participation within the group will be required.
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- acquire and demonstrate the facility and skills to undertake mathematical modelling
- acquire and demonstrate presentation and communication skills
- analyse real-world problems, making appropriate assumptions and simplifications, creating a mathematical model appropriate to a specific purpose, interpreting and evaluating the outcome of the model
- communicate solutions to problems clearly and coherently to both fellow mathematicians and non-technical audiences
- work constructively with fellow students on a common project
- write a substantial technical report
- select and apply the experimentation required to verify models and to understand the limitations of your models.
The residential schools will be held from mid-July to early August each year. Unfortunately, we aren't always able to offer you your first choice of date. If you have a preferred date in mind, you're more likely to get it if you register early. Each residential week will start on Saturday afternoon at three o’clock and finish on the Friday at three o’clock; attendance at the residential school is compulsory, you cannot pass this course if you do not attend and participate. See our Residential Schools website for more information.
You will learn
Successful study of this module should improve your skills in:
- communicating mathematical ideas clearly
- explaining mathematical ideas to others in both verbal and written form
- thinking logically
- expressing problems in mathematical language
- working on open-ended problems
- finding solutions to problems
- interpreting mathematical results in real-world terms
- analysing/interpreting data
- using professional software in Mathcad
- presentation before an audience
- writing a report.
Vocational relevance
This course is particularly relevant to those who will be applying and communicating mathematics (or other technical topics) in their work.
Presentation, group working, working with and using data, and writing reports are generic skills to be gained from this course. These skills will be applicable in many non-mathematical situations.
Entry
MSXR209 is a Level 2 course and you need a good knowledge of applied mathematics and mechanics, obtained either from the first half of the OU course Mathematical methods and models (MST209) or from equivalent work on a predecessor course or at another university. To help you decide whether you have the necessary background, an online booklet Are you ready for MSXR209? is available.
Knowledge of the following topics is required:
- solving first-order differential equations
- solving linear constant-coefficient second-order differential equations
- partial differentiation
- eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices
- equations of motion for particles in one or two dimensions
- modelling springs, friction and air resistance
- solving systems of linear constant-coefficient differential equations.
If you have any doubt about the level of pre-requisite mathematical knowledge please seek advice from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
The timing of the presentation of this course is such that this course can be taken in the same year as MST209 and these two courses complement each other. If you are doing MST209 in the same year as this course, then you should have reached the required level of mathematics and mechanics to study the study material before you come to the residential school and to understand the techniques you will be using at the residential school.
Studying MSXR209 alongside MST209 will be beneficial to your understanding of the topics in the first half of MST209; however, you should be aware that MSXR209 is a 10-credit course that will take time to study, and you should only take the two courses together if you are sure that you will have the time to study both.
Outside the UK
Preparatory work and the work for the first assignment can be done outside the UK. Travel to the University of Nottingham campus for the week-long residential part of the course is essential.
Preparatory work
If your experience of mathematics at this level is not recent, then you should do some preparatory work in order to help you to manipulate and to use the necessary mathematics confidently and with assurance.
If you are taking MST209 you need no special preparation. If you have taken MST209 (or MST207) in the past then you should revise the topics mentioned under Entry above. If you have had no experience of Mathematical methods and models (MST209), go to the website (mentioned under Entry above) where you will find Are you ready for MSXR209?. Your regional or national centre will be able to tell you where you can see MST209 reference copies, or you can purchase them from Open University Worldwide Ltd (01908 858793).
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Every effort will be made at the school to accommodate students with disabilities. The accommodation, both residential and teaching, will be accessible to wheelchair users. Some of the activities (e.g. involving the motion of particles) may be more challenging if your sight is severely impaired; where possible alternative sensory detection will be used. The study materials are available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format.
If you feel that an assistant may be useful then you may either bring your own or ask for one to be arranged by The Open University. The assistant must have familiarity with writing mathematics.
You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer.
The presentation at the end of the residential school can be in any form and students with disabilities will not be disadvantaged. This applies equally to participation in the group working. The practical work is carried out in small teams, and the work is shared.
After you have registered you will receive detailed information about the residential school site and the facilities available to help you with the academic programme
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publications Meeting Your Needs and Meeting Your Residential School Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, website, DVD, computer software; a residential week of lectures, tutorials, and group working; and online forums.
You will need
DVD player (or computer able to play DVDs); scientific calculator, preferably with graphics and with a number of memories.
You require access to the internet at least once a week during the course to download course resources and to keep up to date with course news. An optional online forum will be available so that you can meet fellow students, discuss the study material, and solicit help.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course. It includes online activities – you can only access using a web browser with Flash and Java – and some course software provided on disk.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer running Windows since 2006 you should have no problems completing the computer-based activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you have an Apple Mac or Linux computer – please note that you can only use it for this course by running Windows on it using Boot Camp or a similar dual-boot system.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Before the residential school you will have access to an electronic forum where you can discuss your preparation for the residential school and the work for the first assignment with other students and obtain help from the course team, and a tutor from whom you can expect individual advice and help. At the residential school, tutors will help you with the study material, guide you through the activities, and advise you in the preparation of your written work. You can also obtain advice and guidance from a learning adviser at the residential school. After the residential school you can contact your tutor or join in as an electronic forum for help and advice before you submit the final assessment. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with the Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
Please note that TMAs for all undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses must be submitted on paper as – due to technical reasons – we are unable to accept TMAs via our eTMA system.
The first tutor-marked assignment (TMA) is to be completed before the residential school and will be discussed during the residential school; the second TMA will be initiated and developed at the residential school and submitted to your tutor a month or so later. The end-of-module assessment (EMA) is the assessment of your satisfactory participation in the residential school activities as well as on the presentation at the end of the residential week. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the course.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May 2012 and May 2013. We expect it to be available at the same time once a year and the last starting date to be in 2014.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
Student Reviews
“Brilliant course. The tutors were great and the evening lectures really helped in the MST209 exam. ...”
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“This course in mathematical modelling was very enjoyable and very useful. I studied this as a residential one-week course, at ...”
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | MSXR209 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| Residential school | |
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