Analytical Modeling - Day 1
Repository: https://github.com/colbrydi/analytical-modeling
Agenda (80 minutes)
- 10 min - Check-in and goals for the analytical modeling block
- 20 min - Review the repository purpose and workflow from the README
- 25 min - Guided walkthrough of the first notebook and modeling assumptions
- 15 min - Small-group discussion of analytical model components
- 10 min - Wrap-up, questions, and next steps
Learning Goals
By the end of this class, you should be able to:
- Explain the purpose of the analytical-modeling repository and how it fits the course.
- Identify the analytical modeling workflow used in the repository.
- Discuss how symbolic and numerical tools help us reason about model behavior.
- Prepare to work through the first notebook in a reproducible, shared workflow.
In-Class Focus
This first analytical-modeling day introduces the repository and the key idea behind the unit: analytical models are useful not just as equations on a page, but as computational tools that help us explore, test, and interpret scientific behavior.
We will work through the repository in order:
- Repository: https://github.com/colbrydi/analytical-modeling
- Primary guide: README.md
- First notebook: Assignment_Instructions_Part_1.ipynb
Most of the class will be a guided walkthrough and discussion. The goal is not to memorize formulas but to build a shared understanding of how analytical components fit into larger modeling workflows.
As you work, keep track of:
- what the analytical model is supposed to describe,
- which parameters matter most,
- what questions are easiest to answer symbolically versus numerically,
- how the model connects to your own project domain.
Before Next Class
- Read the repository README and note one conceptual connection to your project.
- Complete the first notebook section if you have not already.
- Write down one question you want to revisit in the next analytical-modeling class.