Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Mathematical Modeling Competition (MCM) and Math 371 (FQ20)

 

The MCM is an international competition, held over 4 days, where teams of three undergraduates construct mathematical models to investigate and present solutions for real world problems. Teams choose one of three problems posted online at the start of the contest and submit a detail report of their model and solution within 4 days: problems appear Thursday, 5pm and reports are due online before Monday, 5pm. Generally one of the problems is designed for modeling using continuous mathematics, one for modeling with discrete mathematics, and one typically involves the analysis of a given data set. Topics are often drawn from real world issues, but some are more whimsical. Some recent problems:
  • Design a drone-based disaster relief program for Puerto Rico after a hurricane.
  • Modeling the merging of traffic on a multi-lane highway after a toll booth.
  • Build a mathematical model to assist in a search for a lost plane that crashed in the open ocean.
  • Model the behavior of the dragons from the Game of Thrones fictional world including their impact on the local eco-systems.
The Mathematics Department provides space and support for the competing teams during the contest. More information and the problems from the contest of many previous years can be found on the web site: http://www.comap.com/undergraduate/contests/mcm/

Please note: Math 371, Math Modeling Seminar is a 2-unit support course for the MCM. It is expected that all students enrolled in Math 371 will participate in the competition. However, you do not need to enroll in Math 371 to participate in the contest. The contest is open to all majors. The course is scheduled to meet MW 6-7pm.
 
If interested in joining the team, please email Dr. David Camp in the Cal Poly Math Department