For this project, you will work in teams of three or four. Your task is to
select a topic of interest to you and model it.
To do this you will first need to collect real-world data, either by observation or by library research. You will then build a mathematical model of the physical process associated with this data. To test your model you will need to compare your data with predictions based on your model. Finally you will undoubtedly need to modify your model in view of your findings.
You should prepare a paper (roughly 6 to 10 typed pages) describing your model, your method of collecting data, your data, your assessment of the model and any modifications you needed to make of your model. The hypotheses and assumptions of your model should be stated clearly and justified. Be sure to include figures where appropriate. Figures should be well labeled and described with a brief caption as well as a more complete description in the body of the document. You should also indicate directions of further study. A bibliography is required (be sure to include books, journals, and web sites if appropriate). You will present a brief (15 minutes) summary of your work to class on the last day of class, February 1. The final paper is also due Friday, Friday February 1. For guidelines in preparing your final paper click here.
On Friday, January 11, each group will meet with Professors Dobler and LoFaro to discuss their plans. The meeting will be for about ten minutes each. A sign-up sheet will be passed around on Thursday, January 10.
A research proposal is due on Friday, January 18 at
On Friday, January 25, a progress
report is due. It should be about 1-2 pages (excluding data) in length and
include a description of the tentative model and data collected to date. This
will also count 10%. The final paper will count 70% and the in-class
presentation 10%.
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January 11 |
Preliminary Project Meetings |
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January 18 |
Research Proposal due |
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January 25 |
Progress Report due |
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February 1 |
Final Project due |