University of San Carlos of Guatemala

Environmental Chemistry
First Semester
April 3rd 2019 Introduction to
mathematical
modeling

Group 1:
Jenifer María Fernanda Álvarez Morales 201513792
Walter Alexander Ortiz Ruiz 201504032
Juan Pablo Guzmán Orellana 201404203
 What is mathematical
modelling?
Models describe our beliefs about how the world functions. In
mathematical modelling, we translate those beliefs into the
language of mathematics. This has many advantages.
1. Mathematics is a very precise language. This helps us to
formulate ideas and identify underlying assumptions.
2. Mathematics is a concise language, with well-defined rules for
manipulations.
3. All the results that mathematicians have proved over hundreds of
years are at our disposal.
4. Computers can be used to perform numerical calculations.

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 Real world
There is a large element of compromise
in mathematical modelling. The
majority of interacting systems in the
real world are far too complicated to
model in their entirety. Although
mathematics has the potential to prove
general results, these results depend
critically on the form of equations used.

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Small changes in the
structure of equations may
require enormous changes in
the mathematical methods.
Using computers to handle
the model equations may
never lead to elegant results,
but it is much more robust
against alterations.
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 What objectives can modelling achieve?
Mathematical modelling can be used for a number of different
reasons. How well any particular objective is achieved depends on
both the state of knowledge about a system and how well the
modelling is done. Examples of the range of objectives are:
1. Developing scientific understanding
- through quantitative expression of current knowledge of a system
(as well as displaying what we know, this may also show up what we
do not know);
2. test the effect of changes in a system;
3. decision making, including
(i) tactical decisions by managers;
(ii) strategic decisions by planners.

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 Classifications of models
When studying models, it is helpful to identify broad
categories of models. Classification of individual
models into these categories tells us immediately
some of the essentials of their structure.
Deterministic models ignore random variation, and so
always predict the same outcome from a given
starting point. On the other hand, the model may be
more statistical in nature and so may predict the
distribution of possible outcomes. Such models are
said to be stochastic.

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 A model which uses a large amount of theoretical information generally
describes what happens at one level in the hierarchy by considering
processes at lower levels these are called mechanistic models, because
they take account of the mechanisms through which changes occur. In
empirical models, no account is taken of the mechanism by which
changes to the system occur. Instead, it is merely noted that they do
occur, and the model tries to account quantitatively for changes
associated with different conditions.The two divisions above, namely
deterministic/stochastic and mechanistic/empirical, represent extremes
of a range of model types. In between lie a whole spectrum of model
types.

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 “

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 Stages of modelling
It is helpful to divide up the process of modelling into
four broad categories of activity, namely building,
studying, testing and use. Although it might be nice to
think that modelling projects progress smoothly from
building through to use, this is hardly ever the case. In
general, defects found at the studying and testing
stages are corrected by returning to the building stage.
Note that if any changes are made to the model, then
the studying and testing stages must be repeated.

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 Building models
Before embarking on a modelling project, we
need to be clear about our objectives. These
determine
the future direction of the project in two
ways.
Firstly, the level of detail included in the
model depends on the purpose for which the
model will be used.

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 Secondly, we must make a division between
the system to be modelled and its
environment. This division is well made if the
environment affects the behaviour of the
system, but the system does not affect the
environment.

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 Making assumptions
Having determined the system to be
modelled, we need to construct the basic
framework of the model. This reflects our
beliefs about how the system operates.
These beliefs can be stated in the form of
underlying assumptions. Future analysis
of the system treats these assumptions
as being true, but the results of such an
analysis are only as valid as the
assumptions.
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 Choosing mathematical
equations
Once the structure of a model has been determined,
mathematical equations must be chosen to describe
the system. It is worth choosing these equations
carefully - they may have unforeseen effects on the
behavior of the model.

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 Analysis of
Articles

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 Characteristics of Math Modeling in Hydrochemistry of a Dolomitic
Aquifer

● A Multivariable Model.
● Based on Thermodynamic (Differential) Equations.
● Previous Information to compare with the results.
● Deterministic and Mechanistic Models

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 Characteristics of Math Modeling in
Biological Process of Composting.

● Multivariable Model.
● Not an Empirical or an Stochastic l model because of their
Limited Range made by the Assumptions.
● Based on the principles of Physics, Chemistry and,
Microbiology.
● Deterministic and Mechanistic models.

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 Characteristics of Math Modeling in
growth of
pathogenic microorganisms in food

● A Multivariable Model.
● Based on Differential Equations .
● Depends on the Time Variable
● .Based on Microbiology Previous and Theoretical Analysis
and Models to Compare.
● Stochastic and Mechanistic Models

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 application
video

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 Thanks!
ANY QUESTIONS?

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