MME Information for UCD Graduate Students
- Program Description
- Program Goals
- Important Dates
- Instructor Application (Inquire at mme@math.ucdavis.edu)
Program Description
The UC Davis Math Modeling Experience (MME) is a hands-on introduction to dynamic research topics and state-of-the-art methods in applied mathematics. Through a seminar course, an interactive workshop, and participation in a national team modeling contest, MME students broaden their view of what math can do, practice important research and teamwork skills, and gain leadership experience. An application is required (available on this page); in Fall 2007, 9 undergraduates will be participate in the MME.
MME Structure:
1. Director:
A graduate student who oversees the logistics of the high school and undergraduate course as well as organizing and coordinationg the gradaute student and faculty intstructors.
2. Graduate Student Instructors:
1-2 graduate students who organize and teach the Friday undergrad lessons and the Saturday high school workshops.
3. Guest Faculty Instructors:
1-3 guest faculty who give 1-2 lessons each for the undergrad workshop.
4. Undergraduates:
6-9 Undergraduates participated in the Friday seminars by enrolling in the MME Seminar course (MAT192 or MAT92, 3 units P/NP) and act as teaching assistants in the Saturday workshops. The undergraduates also compete in the prestigious Mathematical Contest in Modeling in February 2008.
5. High Schoolers:
30 High school students (approximately 10 teams) who attend the saturday workshops and participate in the HiMCM.
Program Goals
The Math Modeling Experience emphasizes the "vertical integration" of research and education, bringing together
high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and math department faculty.
Our goals for undergraduate participants are:
1. Get hands-on research experience by exploring a variety of cutting-edge research questions in applied mathematics.
Guest faculty will present research topics and mathematical methods during the MME seminar. Rather than just listening to a lecture,students will do their own investigations on each topic and then discuss their ideas with the faculty. Sample topics include linear programming for building evacuation, differential equations for crime scene investigation, or graph theory for Internet file-sharing technology.
2. Build strong research and professional skills in computing, writing, and presentation.
Computer programming is a necessary skill for all scientists, and stronger skills let you explore more creative ideas. Computing assignments will bring students up to speed with spreadsheets and MATLAB software. Students who are already proficient at computing will be encouraged to use the language of their choice to write more advanced programs.
What is the sound of one hand clapping? Perhaps it is the same as the sound of scientific research that has been completed but is never written into a report or presented in a talk. Writing and speaking are essential skills in all fields. Scientific presentations have their own rules, and learning them makes your job easier! You'll also find out about opportunities to present student research at local and national conferences.
3. Gain teamwork and leadership experience.
Employers and graduate schools want to know: Can you work collaboratively? Do you take initiative? Our students will be able to answer with a resounding "yes." The MCM team competition (3 students per team) hinges on cooperation, and we will practice teamwork in many assignments leading up to the competition. Working with younger students shows that you have confidence and competence, and are willing to take on a leadership role.