Research

Paper Information

An important part of this course is a research project and paper. Listed below are some
possible topics – you are welcome to choose one of these, or one of your own, as long as it is
related to engineering mathematics. However, if you choose one of your own, you need to let me
know and have it approved prior to the abstract deadline.

The topic list below covers possible topics from across the entire breadth of the course,
including topics that may not be part of your track. Note : topics that are part of this course
(either track) are not acceptable.

Important Deadlines :
• 1 paragraph abstract due July 20, 2019. (Will not be graded.)
• Final paper due Friday August 9, 2019

Potential topics :

1. Asymptotic evaluation of integrals
2. Spherical Harmonic Functions and application
3. Queuing theory principles
4. JPEG compression of images
5. The Method of Stationary Phase
6. Finite Element Method for solving PDEs
7. Audio compression methods
8. Reliability models in engineering
9. Green’s Functions and applications
10. Perturbation Theory
11. Calculus of Variations
12. Principles of Tensor Analysis
13. Group Theory


Here are some guidelines for formatting and content of the paper :

• It should be 12-15 pages long, double spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins on
standard 8.5 x 11 inch pages.
o The title page, table of contents (optional) and reference list do not count
toward the page count.
• All material cited from outside sources must be referenced in the “References”
section of the paper, which is the last section.
o Note that Wikipedia is not considered a reliable academic source
• Please do not “cut and paste” material from our PowerPoint presentations.
o The content of the paper should describe in your own words the
mathematics and mathematical methods of your topic.
o Papers will be checked with SafeAssign for copying !
 • Try to write it from the point of view of having to explain it to an engineering
colleague who understands the engineering principles but perhaps not the
mathematics.
• Approximately 50% of the paper should be devoted to analytical and/or numerical
analysis of the topic. Feel free to use equations and graphs to make your point.
• Working out an example or two along the way is a great way to illustrate the point
you are trying to make
• A typical paper includes the following sections; feel free to add sections as you see
fit for your topic.
o Abstract
o Table of Contents (optional)
o Introduction
o Theory
o Applications/design/examples
o Conclusions
o References