University of Virginia
Mathematical Contest in Modeling
2008-2009

The Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) is an international contest where teams of undergraduates use mathematical modeling to present their solutions to real world problems. The competition challenges teams of students to clarify, analyze, and propose solutions to open-ended problems. The contest attracts diverse students and faculty advisors from over 900 institutions around the world. The next MCM will take place February 5--9, 2009.

The Mathematics Department at the University of Virginia organizes a series of practice sessions and administers the local MCM competition during November 2008. Performances in the local competition will be used to determine the teams of students representing the University of Virginia at the international edition of the MCM, February 5--9, 2009. All undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in the local competition! Keep in mind that MCM is not so much about what you already know, but rather about what you can quickly learn in a new application area.

2007 results for the Math Modeling Competitions:

First Prize at the local competition: Neal Fox, Steven Mortimer, Vincent Zimmern (Honorable Mention in the international 2008 MCM competition)

Second Prize at the local competition: Thiparat Chotibut, Wuttisak Trongsiriwat, Jiraphat Tiamsuphat

Third Prize at the local competition: Dina DeAngelis, Junaedy Liem, Steven Norum (Honorable Mention in the international 2008 MCM competition)

Schedule:

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008: Information/training session; 6:00-7:30pm, 317 Kerchof Hall.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008: Information/training session; 6:00-7:30pm, 317 Kerchof Hall.

Thursday, November 6, 2008: UVa MCM starts at 8pm.

Monday, November 10, 2008: UVa MCM ends at 5pm. Solutions are due in 209 Kerchof Hall by 6pm.

Friday, November 21, 2008: The conclusion of the UVa MCM - festivities, 4:00pm Kerchof Hall 317.

February 5-9, 2009: The winners of the UVa MCM 2008 represent UVa at the MCM 2009.

Instructions for the UVa MCM participants:

Participate in the information/training sessions we organize during the Fall Semester.
Register your team by Wednesday, November 5th, 5pm: email the list of your team-members to im3p@virginia.edu and kgs5c@virginia.edu (each team is composed of up to 3 undergraduate students.)
The UVa MCM contest problems will be promptly emailed to you on Thursday, November 6th, at 8pm.
Spend the weekend building mathematical models, researching relevant literature and writing up your solutions. You can use all published materials, internet resources, and software. Credit whenever appropriate. You cannot discuss your work with anyone besides your team-mates.
Turn in 4 copies of your paper to 209 Kerchof Hall by 6pm on Monday, November 10th, 2008.