Modeling Contest

Students,

Each year COMAP, the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications, sponsors two nationwide contests for students; the Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM).  The MCM is a contest where teams of undergraduates use mathematical modeling to present their solutions to real world problems.  The ICM is part of the MCM, designed to develop and advance interdisciplinary problem-solving skills as well as competence in written communication.

Information about both contests is available on COMAP's website http://www.comap.com/undergraduate/contests/

This year, the contest will take place February 8-12 th .  On the 8 th two problems for the MCM and one problem for the ICM will be posted online.  Students, working in teams of three, have the weekend to work on the problem of their choice and then submit a report to the advisor at their institution on Monday.  Reports are judged and participants receive a certificate with a score of outstanding, meritorious, honorable mention, or successful participant.

Why should I compete?

• The problems are often very interesting and give you the chance to be creative.  This is not “plug and chug” math.  Past problems have been about topics such as flood planning, traffic-flow modeling, deployment of resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and “Quick Pass” systems at amusement parks.  See the website for more past problems.
• It's a fun way to get to know some of your fellow classmates.  It's up to your team to decide how much of the weekend to devote to the contest.
• The report is a nice piece to put in your portfolio.
• Winners will have their solutions published in The UMAP Journal.
• It's a nice accomplishment to add to your resume.
• Even if you are a first or second-year student, you can still be competitive, and you'll be better experienced for the 2008 contest.

• Contact Dr. Duncan ( duncan@sciences.sdsu.edu ) to let her know you are interested.  San Diego State can sponsor a maximum of four teams of three students each.  If there is more interest than space, the first students to contact Dr. Duncan will be given preference.
• Put together a team of three students who are enrolled as undergraduate students at San Diego State.  You do not have to have the same majors.  Math, Stat, Computer Science, and Engineering students probably have the best background, but any SDSU undergrad can compete.  If you want to compete, but don't have a team, Dr. Duncan will try to match you up with other students.
• Decide whether you want to do the MCM or the ICM.  Read through past problems on the web to see which interests you more.  Only three teams from one institution can compete in the ICM.
• Complete online registration.  Officially, this must be done by the advisor, but you need to provide the information.   The registration deadline is 11am on February 8 th , but should be completed well in advance.  The department of Mathematics and Statistics will cover the registration fee for students in our department.