insight4me Mathematics: Mathematical Modelling – Case Studies & Skills With University of East Anglia & University of Nottingham

insight4me is a series of subject specific webinars for current Year 12 & 13 students. The sessions support students’ current studies by giving an insight into particular curriculum areas whilst affording students the opportunity to talk to different universities and make informed comparisons about how, in this case, Mathematics is taught.

In this insight4me Mathematics webinar for schools and colleges, University of Nottingham & University of East Anglia will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, topic based ‘micro’ talk. Within an overall session theme of Mathematical Modelling – Case Studies & Skills, the universities have the freedom to choose their own topic and use the time to convey the key points of the case studies for the students.

Through the discussion, the universities are encouraged to provide an insight into the teaching and learning experience of this topic at university, and compare and contrast how other subject areas across the Mathematics spectrum might be treated. Students will gain an insight into how these subjects continue beyond A-levels, T-levels, IB, BTEC and equivalent qualifications.

By hearing from 2 unis, students will also appreciate how the further study of Mathematics can vary between institutions, contributing to the depth of their HE research and assisting informed decision making.

Full details of the universities and their talks are below. 

• University of East Anglia: Dr Paul Hammerton, Senior Lecturer in the School of Mathematics – Imagine the scene. A golf ball is hit with a particular club at a known speed. The golfer needs to know if the ball will clear the lake in front of the green and roll towards the hole, or drop into the lake and cost extra strokes. In this talk we will show how mathematical modelling can be used to try to solve this problem. Typically, mathematical modelling involves taking a practical problem and making some simplifying assumptions. Mathematical equations are then formulated and these are solved in order to make predictions. In our case we are looking for equations that describe the path that the golf ball takes through the air. When solved, these equations can be used to predict the range – the horizontal distance travelled before it hits the ground. We will begin by assuming that gravity is the only force acting on the ball – a problem perhaps familiar to those of you studying A-level Mathematics or Physics. We will then compare the range predicted by this model, with the results of observations. Next we will consider what other forces may be acting on ball, and how these may improve the accuracy of our prediction of the range. Finally, we will look at how the modelling used for the trajectory of a golf ball may need to be modified when looking at the motion of a cricket ball. 
• University of Nottingham: Dante Kalise, Assistant Professor in Applied Mathematics within The School of Mathematical Sciences will deliver: Mathematical Optimization: the best of all possible worlds. Optimists, such as the German mathematician Gottfried Leibniz, believe the world we live in is the best of all possible worlds. Pessimists fear that might really be the case. How can we, from a mathematical perspective, define -and compute- what is the best of all possible worlds? In this talk, I will discuss the history behind the field of mathematical optimization, dating back to the Phoenician Queen Dido. I will also consider the fundamental role it plays in our modern technology, including aerospace, finance, and artificial intelligence. I will illustrate how optimization is incorporated into mathematics degree programmes through a combination of theory, computation, and data.

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 students (and equivalent) studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Mathematics and related disciplines. The talks should appeal to anyone studying either Physics or Mathematics with an interest in how theory can be applied to everyday problems.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the 2 topics and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying Mathematics at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Bluejeans and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below: