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Special Topic in Mathematics
Applied mathematics in geophysics, fluid dynamics, and biophysicsSpecial Topic - Mathematical Modelling in Science and EngineeringThrough a number of case studies, this course develops the capability to use a comprehensive set of theoretical and computational tools to obtain insight into problems arising from science and engineering.Topics will be selected from the following list:• Developing mathematical models using partial differential equations to describe geophysical systems, particularly volcanic eruptions. (The focus is on how we can use mathematics to describe natural systems rather than the computational techniques to solve the resulting equations.)• Mathematical description of fluid motion and forces, and the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations. Applications in several simplified scenarios; exact solutions and numerical solutions.• Vertex model for the mechanics of biological tissues.• Models for biochemical reactions and pattern formation.At the end of the course, the students will be able to:• think critically to identify relevant variables and analyse problems in various subjects;• apply techniques from calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, numerical methods, and other areas to solve application problems;• read and evaluate literature efficiently and effectively;• present scientific ideas and discoveries in a clear and concise way.
At the end of the course, the students will be able to:think critically to identify relevant variables and analyse problems in various subjects;apply techniques from calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, numerical methods, and other areas to solve application problems;read and evaluate literature efficiently and effectively;present scientific ideas and discoveries in a clear and concise way.
Subject to approval of the Head of School
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Leighton Watson
Mingfeng Qiu
Assessments will be:• weekly/bi-weekly homework - 60%• paper/project presentation 1: for term 3 - 20%• paper/project presentation 2: for term 4 - 20%
Domestic fee $1,074.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Mathematics and Statistics .