Mathematical Models in the Social and Life Sciences

An introduction to the role of mathematics as a modeling tool and an examination of some mathematical models of proven usefulness in problems arising in the social and life sciences. Topics will be selected from the following: axiom systems as used in model building, optimization techniques, linear and integer programming, theory of games, systems of differential equations, computer simulation, stochastic process. Specific models in political science, ecology, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and economics will be explored. (MATH 0200 and MATH 0225 or by instructor approval) 3 hrs. lect./disc.