MATH403-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026

Advanced Methods in Mathematical Modelling

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 16 February 2026
End Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 March 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 10 May 2026

Description

Advanced Methods in Mathematical Modelling

This course explores how to develop mathematical models for various phenomena in science and engineering. The focus is on understanding fundamental fluid mechanics and how to use mathematics and physical intuition to describe and learn about real-world systems.  
Note: this course was previously run as Math407: Special Topics in S2-2025.

Topics will be selected from the following list:
• Mathematical description of fluid motion and forces
o Derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations. Applications in several simplified scenarios.
• Developing mathematical models
o Using partial differential equations to describe geophysical systems, including tsunamis and volcanoes.
o Models in mechanics and biochemistry in developmental biology.

Learning Outcomes

  • At the end of the course, the students will be able to:
  • think critically to identify relevant variables and analyse problems in various subjects;
  • apply techniques from calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, numerical methods, and physical intuition to solve application problems;
  • read and evaluate literature efficiently and effectively;
  • present scientific ideas and discoveries concisely.

    Assessment is based on assignments throughout the term, two oral tests, and a final project with a presentation.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Monday 09:00 - 11:00 Jack Erskine 244
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
Tutorial A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Tuesday 13:00 - 14:00 Psychology - Sociology 210
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May

Course Coordinator

Mingfeng Qiu

Lecturer

Leighton Watson

Notes

Restrictions:
• Math407

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,206.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Mathematics and Statistics .

All MATH403 Occurrences

  • MATH403-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026
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