Introduction

The first two chapters of these notes aim to introduce basic concepts of mathematical modeling. Particular emphasis is placed on the modeling process, which involves successive testing and refinement of a mathematical model.

Chapter 1 introduces mathematical models and the modeling process, discusses the usefulness of mathematical models, and considers the range of skills mathematical modelers should possess. The exercise section encourages the reader to reflect on how models should or should not be used.

The purpose of Chapter 2 is to build a mathematical model step by step, following the modeling process. Most readers will be familiar with the phenomenon to be modeled: a human wave in a stadium.