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Unit outline_

MATH4412: Advanced Methods in Applied Mathematics

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Mathematical approaches to many real-world problems are underpinned by powerful and wide ranging mathematical methods and techniques that have become standard in the field and should be in the toolbag of all applied mathematicians. This unit will introduce you to a suite of those methods and give you the opportunity to engage with applications of these methods to well-known problems. In particular, you will learn both the theory and use of asymptotic methods which are ubiquitous in applications requiring differential equations or other continuous models. You will also engage with methods for probabilistic models including information theory and stochastic models. By doing this unit you will develop a broad knowledge of advanced methods and techniques in applied mathematics and know how to use these in practice. This will provide a strong foundation for using mathematics in a broad sweep of practical applications in research, in industry or in further study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

A thorough knowledge of vector calculus (e.g., MATH2X21) and of linear algebra (e.g., MATH2X22). Some familiarity with partial differential equations (e.g., MATH3X78) and mathematical computing (e.g., MATH3X76) would be useful.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Nalini Joshi, nalini.joshi@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Sean Gasiorek, sean.gasiorek@sydney.edu.au
Nalini Joshi, nalini.joshi@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Take-home extended release) Type E final exam Final exam
Take-home (long release). Answers must be submitted through Turnitin.
40% Formal exam period 72 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Creative assessment / demonstration Participation in tutorials
Discussion of tutorial exercises.
4% Ongoing Ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3 LO2
Assignment Assignment 1
Written report
28% Week 05 2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Assignment 2
Written report
28% Week 11 2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Type E final exam = Type E final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Participation in tutorials: attend tutorials and explain how to tackle selected exercises.
  • Assignment 1: attempt all questions and provide full explanations of calculations.
  • Assignment 2: attempt all questions and provide full explanations of calculations.
  • Take home exam: attempt all questions and provide full explanations of calculations.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading information.

Result name Mark range Description
Participation 0-4 Explain workings on selected exercises in tutorials to other participants.
Assignment 1 0-28 Submit answers with workings for Assignment 1.
Assignment 2 0-28 Submit answers with workings for Assignment 2.
Final exam 0-40 Submit answers with detailed workings for take home exam.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

No late assessments will be accepted.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Asymptotic methods for finite dimensional deterministic systems Lecture (3 hr)  
Asymptotic methods for infinite dimensional deterministic systems Lecture (3 hr)  
Stochastic methods: General framework Lecture (3 hr)  
Stochastic methods: asymptotics, averages, fluctuations, transitions, large deviations Lecture (3 hr)  
Weekly Tutorial and/or computer lab on weekly topic Tutorial (1 hr)  

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of key concepts in applied mathematics​
  • LO2. Create models and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary​
  • LO3. Use the principles of applied mathematics to analyse and explore deterministic and stochastic systems​
  • LO4. Evaluate the accuracy of approximate methods and assess their applicability​
  • LO5. Communicate mathematical information deeply and coherently, both orally and through written work to a variety of audiences​​

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.