Feb 07, 2012 - Claremont, Calif. -

Twenty-six Harvey Mudd College students will compete this weekend in the 2012 International Mathematical Contest in Modeling and Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (MCM/ICM).

They represent nine teams—including two that won “Outstanding” and “Honorable Mention” in last year’s competition. A donation from Jane Street Capital will help cover the teams’ registration fees and snacks.

“We believe this is the largest HMC participation ever,” said Susan Martonosi, associate professor of mathematics and MCM/ICM advisor. “This competition is a great opportunity to practice modeling skills from problem statement through testing and validation.”

Analogous to an applied Putnam exam, but in the form of a grueling 96-hour competition, the MCM/ICM tasks teams of up to three students with using mathematical modeling to present their solutions to real-world problems.
Teams must select and solve their problem, and then submit their solution in the form of a research paper. The team’s papers are judged not only on their scientific and mathematical accuracy, but also on their clarity, insight and creativity.

The contest problems will not be revealed until the competition starts at 5 p.m. Feb. 9.

“The students will need to make simplifying assumptions to narrow the scope of the ill-posed problem, do background research on possible solution methodologies, implement one or more of those methodologies on the computer, analyze the results and explain their model in a well-written report—all within 96 hours,” Martonosi said.

Although every team is assigned a faculty advisor, students are not allowed to consult anyone for advice during the contest. Judging will be completed in March and the contest results will be posted April 29, 2012.

Read more:

HMC Team Ranks Outstanding in MCM-ICM Competition

2012 MCM/ICM Competition