AIDS Pandemic in the United States

Abstract

This project is one of four that were issued to first semester sophomore undergraduates at the United States Military Academy as part of an integrated learning experience at the end of their Calculus II course work. This project was used during a short, seven lesson block of instruction that was intended to capitalize on their recent academic decision — the student body had just selected their majors. Given that the students had only seven days to “solve” the problem, the focus was not on the details of developing the mathematical model. Instead, students were instructed to include several specified assumptions in a model that they would develop using a provided flow diagram. A computer algebra system was used to determine a numerical solution to the resulting system of differential equations. After completing this simplified approach to modeling a complicated biological problem, the focus shifted to the connection between the “math” and the “real world solution.” The specific objectives of this experience were to develop student awareness of the role of mathematics in all disciplines as well as the effect of other disciplines on the development of mathematical models and solutions of “real world” situations. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of PRIMUS for the following free supplemental resource(s): Sample Solution]