Finding A Model

Math 55 --- Differential Equations

David Arnold

Preliminary Search

This first assignment requires that you visit the Humboldt State Library where you can find a number of publications in math and science in their periodical stacks. Here are a few journals you may find useful.

Look through the periodicals until you find an article of interest containing a real world application of differential equations. The equations could be first or second order differential equations or even a system of first order differential equations. Make sure that you find an article whose topic is appealing---something you find genuinely interesting.

There are two ways you can approach your search: (1) Just head to the library and start searching (an immense task), or (2) have an idea of what you want to search for before you go to the library. You can browse the internet looking for titles of interest. It is also a good idea to check the bibliographies of differential equations textbooks. Often, a number of interesting articles can be found in these bibligraphies and then you can take these references to the library to search for the full article in the periodical stacks.

Use the copy machines at the library to make a copy of the article. Note: It costs about 10 cents per page to make copies at the HSU library, so have some change handy.

Writing Your Report

You must prepare your report using the Scientific Notebook.

  1. The first step is to create a folder in your personal directory. Limit yourself to 8 characters in naming this folder. For example, you might name this folder BobT. Try to use a distinctive name for your folder, one that is not likely to be used by another student.
  2. Place any image files that you might use in your article in your BobT folder. Use the DOS naming convention for all image files: 8 lettered filename followed by 3 letter extension. For example, image1.gif or figure1.jpg.
  3. Create your Scientific Notebook article and immediately save it in your BobT folder. It is very important that you have saved the file before you import any images into your document. Again, follow the DOS naming convention in naming this file. For example, you might call the file BobT.tex.
  4. Describe the application that you found and carefully explain the differential equation that models the problem situtation. You explanation should include a description of all variables and parameters in your differential equation and any other information pertinent to the understanding of the problem. Note: Please do not simply state the problem, state the DE, variables and parameters, then leave it at that. Get into the problem. Explain the background and history of the application. Explain how the DE is crafted and how it makes sense. Put some energy into your presentation.
  5. Import any graphic images that improve and enhance your presentation.
  6. Use references. Label your equations and images, then reference them in writing. For example, "We see in Figure 1 the output of Equation (13)."
  7. Make sure that your article includes a bibliography.
  8. Finally, save your file as a rap file. For example, save your file as BobT.rap.
  9. Come to my office when your assignment is complete so that we can publish your article on our web site. Please bring a copy of the journal article to leave with me.
  10. This assignment is due Monday, February 9, 1998

Student Models --- Spring 1998