Interfaces of Math and Its Applications
Summary:This seminar will be an introduction to applications of mathematics in industry and mathematical modeling. The main goal of the course is to give students exposure to a wide range of modeling techniques. This should help to motivate future course work and identify potential careers in mathematics. Each week the students will read and discuss a paper from the journal "Interfaces". This journal specializes in mathematical application in industry and is written primarily for undergraduates. The articles cover a wide range of topics and often cite millions of dollars in savings due to the improved model described. For example, one article claimed Dell could save $43 million dollars over the coming years by implementing a new strategy for reducing the number of days computer parts sit in storage while maintaining their quick turnaround time.
The secondary goal of this course is to get students familiar with mathematical writing. Mathematics is a language in itself which one must learn in order to carefully express quantitative concepts. By reading these articles, students will be learning how to turn every day problems into mathematical problems that can be optimized. The articles in "Interfaces" are all carefully written and edited so they can serve as examples of high quality mathematical writing -- sort of like the mathematical equivalent of the "New Yorker".
Assigned Reading: Articles from Interfaces have been selected for the course. Photocopies of the articles are available at the UW Bookstore under the name "H A&S 350: Honors Seminar: Interfaces of Math and Its Applications"
Grading: This course is graded credit/no.credit. Credit is based on participation in class.
Teaching Assistant: Kristen Bornemann is a senior in the mathematics and statistics departments. She can be reached by email kristen.bornemann at-sign gmail.com.