Start main page content

Virtual SA Graduate Modelling Camp

Dates

Thursday 28 January to Saturday 30 January 2021

Contact information

David P Mason
E-mail: David.Mason@wits.ac.za

Organising Committee

Professor D P Mason, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Syamala Krishnannair, University of Zululand
Dr Gideon Fareo, University of the Witwatersrand
Professor M Ali, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Naeemah Modhien, University of the Witwatersrand
Ms Victoria Rambuzo, University of the Witwatersrand
Professor Jeff Sanders, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and the University of Stellenbosch
Dr Simukai Utete, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences 

Background

The Virtual Graduate Modelling Camp is a 3-day workshop which is held the week before the Virtual Mathematics in Industry Study Group. Its aim is to bring graduate students up to speed for the Virtual Study Group. Participants should also attend the Virtual Study Group. Similar modelling camps are run the week before Study Groups around the world and are part of an international effort to apply mathematics to real problems especially from industry.

Format

  • Each problem has a mentor.
  • The problems are presented on Thursday morning by the mentors. The problems are inspired by problems that have arisen in industry and science. Some are taken from previous Study Group meetings from around the world.
  • The graduate students are formed into virtual groups that work on each problem under guidance of the mentor.
  • Progress presentations are made at the end of each day. Scientific communication is an important part of the workshop and all participants are expected to make presentations.
  • Final progress presentations on all problems are made on Saturday afternoon.

Technology

  • For both the Graduate Modelling Camp and the Study Group, the software application Zoom will be used for all meetings (main group and individual study groups).
  • We strongly recommend that you download the Zoom application for desktop (Zoom Client for Meetings), as this will allow you the use of an interactive Whiteboard which will be used for discussing mathematics. The download is compatible with Windows, iOS and Linux. It is free to download, and you do not need to create an account to access MISG, as the link will be sent to all participants next week. The application is available via this link: https://zoom.us/download
  • The Modelling Camp and Study Group will use SharePoint online for depositing and sharing of papers and other important documents.
  • Participants must have access to the necessary technology, either at home or at university.
  • A copy of the MISG 2021 Technical Information Guide, containing all necessary information related to Zoom and SharePoint, will be sent to all participants before the meeting commences.

Benefits to graduate students

  • Receive hands-on experience of mathematical modelling of real problems especially from industry
  • Exposed to a broad range of problem-solving skills including, mathematical modelling, scientific computation and the critical accessment of solutions.
  • Guidance under an experienced Facilitator.

Information for participants

  • Applications are welcomed from 2021 honours students, masters students and doctoral students.
  • There is no fee to attend the workshop but participants must register.
  • There are breaks for morning and afternoon tea, and lunch.
  • One graduate student will be invited from each of the fifteen South African Universities in the Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

Presentation Reports

Share