Unit 1

Constructive approximation and special functions: theory and applications.

Unit 2

Modeling, numerical analysis and scientific computing: development of mathematical tools for the effective solution of recent problems in Physics and Engineering.

Unit 3

Control of systems governed by differential equations and applications to Physics, Biology, Engineering and other Sciences.

Unit 4

Mathematical programming. Theory, algorithms and applications.

Unit 5

Bifurcation analysis of dynamical systems. Theory, numerics and applications in mathematical modeling.

This three month course (March through May, 2010) at the IMUS aims at developing research skills and subject expertise. Its main objective is doing research work under the supervision and guidance of an assigned academic tutor. Eventually, the proposed research problems could become the starting point of research or a doctoral thesis.

Additionally, the program consists of five specific courses and a research seminar.

The courses will take place during the first month of the program and will be 12 hours long. The questions and problems for the guided research work of the students will be proposed within these lectures.

The research seminar will consist of ten two-hour sessions and will take place during the second and third month of the program. In each session a specialist on the topic will present a recent research related to the contents of the program.