Computational Thinking and Mathematical Modelling

Computational thinking has been a subject of much discussion in education in recent times and is regarded by educators and policy makers as one of the key skill sets for the future. Many schools have introduced coding and programming to students, sometimes very early in their education years, in a bid to help them develop computational thinking. In this chapter, we explore and explicate the role of computational thinking in mathematical modelling, and examine the relationship between them. Examples from the different modelling approaches will be used to contextualize this relationship, and to demonstrate that mathematical modelling does indeed provide an excellent platform for the use, practice and development of computational thinking. In addition, these examples will also illustrate how computational thinking fits into mathematical modelling naturally in some modelling situations

A simple stochastic model for an epidemic numerical experiments with MATLAB

In this paper, we examine the use of a simple stochastic di erential equation in the modelling of an epidemic. Real data for the Singapore SARS outbreak are used for a detailed study. The model is solved numerically and implemented on matlab, with further analysis and re nement. This article is built around several matlab programs and serves to provide a practical and accessible introduction to numerical methods for a stochastic model for epidemics.Published versio

Mathematical modelling, technology and H3 mathematics

Mathematical modelling is an important part of Higher 3 Mathematics,a new mathematics syllabus for pre-University students under the GCE Advanced level curriculum in Singapore. In this paper, how technology may be exploited to facilitate learning and investigation of certain key concepts in the topic is discussed. Examples such as the logistic equation and modelling of epidemics are presented in some detail. Some implications on its impact in the classroom are also discussed.Published versio

A computational fluid dynamic study of blood flow through stenosed arteries / by Keng Cheng Ang.

Errata has been inserted inside back pages.Bibliography: leaves 180-186.viii, 186 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.Effects of stenoses on characteristics such as pressure drops, flow velocities and shearing stresses on the arterial walls are examined and their significance on the progression of arterial diseases is discussed.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Applied Mathematics, 199

Teaching and learning mathematical modelling with technology

This paper was presented at the 15th Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics(2010), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 17 - 21 Dec 2010In the last few decades, there have been abundant discussions among mathematicians and mathematics educators on promoting mathematical modelling (a process of using mathematics to tackle real world problems) as a classroom practice. Mathematics educators and curriculum planners have been advocating the teaching of mathematical modelling in schools for some time now. Despite the consensus on its importance and relevance, mathematical modelling remains a difficult activity for both teachers and learners to fully engage in. In this paper, we examine some of these difficulties and discuss how technology can play a pivotal role in providing the essential support to make mathematical modelling a more accessible mathematical activity amongst students. Through a series of examples drawn from different fields and topics, we illustrate how a range of technological tools may be successfully and efficiently utilized in modelling tasks. In addition, we discuss the need for an optimal use of technology to balance between achieving the objectives of the tasks and attaining the goals of learning mathematics.Published versio