Science was born not only as theoretical concept, but as a tool to better our life. It is also true of mathematical modeling, which focuses on finding solutions to practical problems with the aid of mathematical theories.

    On the evening of March 19th, Mathematical Modeling Interest-Based Study Group of College of Innovation and Experiment was officially announced formed, on the purpose of developing students’ scientific thinking, stimulating their interest in mathematical modeling and improving their capacity to solve practical problems. You Long, student of Business Administration Class, who has been performed well in mathematical modeling contests many a time, served as group director. Qin Zhen from Business Administration Class 091 and Wang Zhenhua from Biotechnology Class 101 were assigned associate group directors.

    At the founding ceremony, Ren Xie, the student who won second prize twice in university mathematical modeling contest, shared some basic knowledge of mathematical modeling. She illustrated that mathematical modeling was to find simple and feasible solutions to practical questions. Her introduction melted away students’ confusion and anxiety and stimulated their passion for mathematical modeling.

    After the meeting, students actively expressed their new understanding of mathematical modeling. Student Xu Ximeng said, “As a non-mathematics-major freshman, I got stuck for the concept of mathematical modeling at the very beginning of joining the interest-based group. It seemed so vague and mysterious to me, hard to fully understand before it was interpreted by the fellow students. So far as I know, it refers to the application of professional mathematic knowledge in solving the problems in practice, offering life specific suggestion in mathematical approaches.”

    The group organized several regular meetings at each subsequent weekend. Some experienced students were invited to explain the writing format of mathematical modeling papers and some professional knowledge.

    At the seventh weekend of this semester, the group conducted a mathematical modeling simulated contest. Group united and determined, all contestants overcome the difficulties in limited time and knowledge, taking full advantage of online resources and books in libraries, perfectly completed the given topics. Some groups finished their surveys on the occupation of our university classroom within short time of three days, while some other groups collected the datum concerning security of vehicles. All groups applied the relative mathematical model into their practice, and even process the statistics by using the self-designed program with the aid of programming software Visual Basic. Finally, there were one first prize and two second prize appraised among the eight groups. This simulated contest furthered group members’ understanding on mathematical modeling. In addition, it not only enabled students to be more cooperative, persistent and dauntless, but also improved their capacity of searching and using online and libraries resources.

    The Mathematical Modeling Interest-Based Group offers students an opportunity for being intimate friend with science to solve practical problems with science. The practice in mathematical modeling firm student belief, that there is no smooth way in pursuing science and truth, only the one persistent and dauntless can clamber over the swift cliff and enjoy the overlook at the top of mountain.