course-details-portlet

MGLU4502

Mathematical Modeling and Related Topics

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 15
Level Second degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English and norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

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

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

Department of Teacher Education

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Re-sit examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids HJELPEMIDD Date 2025-11-17 Time 09:00 Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for 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.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL311 lyseblå sone
1 candidate

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids HJELPEMIDD Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.