Developing transferable skills in undergraduate mathematics students through mathematical modelling

Abstract

Undergraduate mathematics students should possess certain transferable skills upon completion of a degree. The Mathematical Association of America’s recently published CUPM Discussion Papers about Mathematics and the Mathematical Sciences in 2010:What Should Students Know and the NCTM’s Principles and Standards for School Mathematics both suggest the importance of transferable skills for success in students’ later careers. These skills and a strategy for developing them via an intensive short course on mathematical modelling are discussed. Student reactions and comments on the course are included. The evaluation suggests that this course on mathematical modelling developed modelling as well as generic skills through the teaching, learning and assessment style.