Course - Mathematical Modeling and Related Topics - MGLU4502
Mathematical Modeling and Related Topics
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
Course content
This course contains topics that show the role of mathematics in selected practical and theoretical situations. One will look at models related to phenomena in nature and society and study the mathematics used in these models. Another topic is students' concept development and mathematization processes in modeling.
The mathematical topics in this course will be taken from various domains. One will, among other things, work with contexts for unlimited and limited growth, and for ratios and change.
Mathematical modeling will be discussed from different viewpoints, including a cognitive perspective. Here, the differences between problem solving and mathematical modeling will be important. Other central themes of the course could be transition from models of realistic contexts to students' models for mathematical reasoning as well as mathematizing real situations.
Emphasis will be placed on giving students practical experience with the use of digital tools in mathematics teaching, including conducting ICT-based teaching where modeling is central. Also, the current literature on mathematical modeling is discussed.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The student
- has advanced knowledge of how selected mathematical concepts, such as functions with special focus on rate of change and difference equations, can be applied in practical and theoretical situations,
- has advanced knowledge of how statistics can be used in modeling,
- has knowledge of different mathematical modeling cycles and how these are applied in practical and theoretical situations,
- has knowledge of how to design mathematical modeling tasks and how it is different from a problem solving task,
- has knowledge of the transition from models of realistic contexts to models for mathematical reasoning,
- has advanced knowledge of how ICT can be integrated in teaching mathematical modeling.
Skills
The student
- can organize students' opportunities for learning mathematics through modeling,
- can use different contexts where change processes can be explained through the concept of rate of change,
- can facilitate the transition from models of realistic contexts to models for mathematical reasoning,
- can plan and carry out classroom-based activities related to modeling of phenomena,
- can analyze observations of modeling activities in the mathematics classroom,
- can plan and analyze the use of ICT tools in mathematics teaching related to modeling,
- - can use statistics to model different realistic phenomena.
General competence
The student
- has didactic competence that enables mathematics teaching via a modeling perspective,
- has didactic competence that makes it possible to distinguish between modeling as a goal for teaching and as a method for teaching,
- has didactic competence that enables the design and implementation of teaching where ICT-based modeling is central.
Learning methods and activities
The teaching and learning methods will alternate between lectures, literature studies, work on assignments (individually and groups), discussions, as well as oral students’ presentations. Academic discussions and interactions are important ways of working and learning, and it is expected that the candidates actively contribute to such activities.
Teaching Language
Norwegian or English
Compulsory assignments
- One oral presentation
- Up to eight written assignments
Further on evaluation
Compulsory work in the course:
- One oral presentation
- Up to eight written assignments. The number will be specified at the beginning of the semester.
The compulsory assignments are evaluated as approved/non-approved and all must be approved.
The students can be assessed, required to take part in coursework and required to attend teaching related to interdisciplinary topics.
Assessment:
Written school exam on Inspera (6 hours). The exam is assessed with letter grades A to F.
Allowed aids during the exam are only calculators. The list of calculator models allowed in the exam is:
Casio FX-82CW, Casio FC100 V2, Casio fx-82ES PLUS, Casio fx-82EX, Casio fx-991es plus, and Casio fx-991ex
Citizen SR-270X and Citizen SR-270X College
Hewlett Packard HP30S
SHARP EL-W506X-SL
Math Numeri 624
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5-10 (MGLU5-10) - some programmes
Recommended previous knowledge
Mathematics 1 and 2 (60 credits) or equivalent.
Required previous knowledge
Passed Mathematics 1 (30 credtis) or equivalent.
Course materials
The course material is mainly scientific papers written in English. The final reading list will be published on Blackboard at the beginning of the semester.
Subject areas
- Didactics in Mathematics
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Re-sit examination - Autumn 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.