Discrete Zombie Apocalypse: A Mathematical Modeling Course Project

Abstract

For undergraduate mathematical modeling courses, a successful semester project can reinforce key learning objectives while enabling creativity and developing critical thinking skills. However, course directors often struggle in developing novel project ideas and balancing the tradeoff between grading burden and project complexity. At the U.S Military Academy, we take an open-ended and discovery-learning approach to the freshman level math modeling project. This article outlines one successful project involving a Zombie Apocalypse scenario along with student responses. To assist the students, we promote flexibility, scaffold the modeling process with in-progress reviews, and train students on how to write concise executive summaries.

Keywords:

• Mathematical model
• writing
• course project
• discovery learning

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the students and instructors of MA103, Mathematical Modeling and Intro to Calculus, Fall of Academic Year 2022, for participating in and providing valuable feedback on this course project.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew C. Lee

Andrew Lee received his MA and PhD in Transportation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has expertise in a wide variety of operations research and transportation models focusing on military applications, unmanned aerial systems, and disaster relief. At the United States Military Academy, Dr. Lee is an innovative educator in the classroom implementing novel pedagogical approaches such as discovery learning assessments in the mathematical modeling course. He also leads summer faculty workshops to mentor and train new junior faculty members. Dr. Lee is Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and has served in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility in the Military Intelligence and Operations Research and Systems Analysis (ORSA) branch.

Frank Czerniakowski

Frank Czerniakowski received his MS in Operations Research from Georgia Institute of Technology with a focus on inventory management and pricing strategy. At the United States Military Academy, Frank is an educator whose focus is mathematical modeling techniques for junior leaders. He is Major in the United States Army and has served in various positions within the Aviation branch.

Kyle McDermott

Kyle McDermott received his MS in Operations Research from North Carolina State University with research focused on additive manufacturing and logistics engineering. He also holds an MS in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology. At the United States Military Academy, Kyle is an educator whose focus is mathematical modeling techniques for junior leaders. He is Major in the United States Army and has served in a variety of positions within the Aviation branch.

Jeremy Reynolds

Jeremy Reynolds received his MS in Applied Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with an emphasis in numerical solutions to differential equations and optimization. He also holds an MS in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology. At the United States Military Academy, Jeremy has focused his research efforts on the application of discovery learning in the classroom, and he has been active with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach across the country. He is Captain in the United States Army and has served in varying levels of responsibility in the Engineer branch.