MA185-4-AU-CO:
Mathematical and Computational Modelling
2023/24
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
03 January 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA209
BSC N233 Actuarial Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC N233DT Actuarial Science (Including Placement Year),
BSC N323 Actuarial Science,
BSC N323DF Actuarial Science,
BSC N323DT Actuarial Science,
BSC N324 Actuarial Science (Including Year Abroad),
BSC N325 Actuarial Science (Including Foundation Year),
BSC L1G2 Economics and Mathematics (Including Placement Year),
BSC LG11 Economics and Mathematics,
BSC LG18 Economics and Mathematics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC LG1C Economics and Mathematics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC GN13 Finance and Mathematics,
BSC GN15 Finance and Mathematics (Including Placement Year),
BSC GN18 Finance and Mathematics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC GN1H Finance and Mathematics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC G100 Mathematics,
BSC G102 Mathematics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC G103 Mathematics (Including Placement Year),
BSC G104 Mathematics (Including Foundation Year),
MMATG198 Mathematics,
BSC 5B43 Statistics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC 9K12 Statistics,
BSC 9K13 Statistics (Including Placement Year),
BSC 9K18 Statistics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC G1G4 Mathematics with Computing (Including Year Abroad),
BSC G1G8 Mathematics with Computing (Including Foundation Year),
BSC G1GK Mathematics with Computing,
BSC G1IK Mathematics with Computing (Including Placement Year),
BSC G1F3 Mathematics with Physics,
BSC G1F4 Mathematics with Physics (Including Placement Year),
BSC G1F5 Mathematics with Physics (Including Foundation Year),
BSC GCF3 Mathematics with Physics (Including Year Abroad),
MSCIN399 Actuarial Science and Data Science,
MSCIG199 Mathematics and Data Science,
BSC N333 Actuarial Studies,
BSC N333DT Actuarial Studies,
BSC N334 Actuarial Studies (Including Placement Year),
BSC N334DT Actuarial Studies (Including Placement Year),
BSC N335 Actuarial Studies (Including Year Abroad)
This module gives an introduction to programming skills for mathematical and actuarial sciences students in the context of a range of mathematical modelling topics.
Mathematical modelling skills will be an important focus alongside learning how to structure and implement codes in both Matlab and R. A key part of the module will be investigative open-ended computational modelling studies at both the group and individual level.
The aims of this module are:
- To introduce mathematical and actuarial sciences students to programming using the Matlab and R languages.
- For students to develop their programming skills while undertaking open-ended investigation of a range of mathematical and computational modelling topics.
By the end of the module, students will be expected to:
- Understand how to design, structure, debug, and implement simple computer programs.
- Have knowledge of the specific syntax and operations of the R and Matlab languages, and how to convert code between the two languages.
- Be aware of the mathematical modelling cycle and the steps required to design, solve and interpret a solution to a given modelling topic or problem.
- Understand how to convert, solve and interpret a mathematical modelling problem into a computer program or simulation.
- Have awareness of a range of mathematical modelling topics and problems that can be explored through a computational approach.
For students outside of the Department, an appropriate A level in Mathematics (or equivalent) is required for this module. If you are unsure whether you meet this criteria please contact maths@essex.ac.uk before attempting to enrol.
Indicative syllabus
- Programming:
- basic structure of code; commands and syntax in R and Matlab; converting between the languages; algorithms; functions; variables; lists; strings; for and while loops; if else and other logical statements; recursive functions; random numbers; basic probability distributions; graphical output; plots and display; graphical parameters; data input and output; arrays and data structures; indexing and selecting data;
debugging code; computational modelling; converting mathematical models into code; numerical integration and differentiation; computer simulations; interpreting numerical outputs.
- Mathematical Modelling:
- problem solving and the modelling cycle; creating, solving, and interpreting a model and solutions.
Teaching in the School will be delivered using a range of face to face lectures, classes, and lab sessions as appropriate for each module. Modules may also include online only sessions where it is advantageous, for example for pedagogical reasons, to do so.
-
Moler, C.B. and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (2004)
Numerical computing with MATLAB. Rev. reprint. Philadelphia: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Available at:
https://uk.mathworks.com/moler/chapters.html.
-
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
|
|
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
|
|
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 60 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 60 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Tahani Al-Karkhi, email: tasalk@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Dmitry Savostyanov, email: d.savostyanov@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Dmitry Savostyanov & Dr Tahani Al-Karkhi
d.savostyanov@essex.ac.uk & tasalk@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
Yes
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 46 hours, 42 (91.3%) hours available to students:
4 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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