Mathematics for Modeling and Data Analysis

Content

This course covers some mathematical methods that are relevant for modeling and data analysis. Particular emphasis is put on an intuitive understanding as is required for a creative command of mathematics. The following topics are covered:

  • Functions and how to visualize them
  • Vector spaces
  • Matrices as transformations
  • Systems of linear differential equations
  • Qualitative analysis of nonlinear differential equations
  • Bayesian theory
  • Markov chains

Teaching format

One unit consists of a lecture of 90 min, self-study time over the week, group work on exercises without teacher for 90 min the week after the lecture, discussion of exercises and general Q&A session with teacher for 90 min right after, followed by the lecture of the next unit.

Enrollment

To enroll in this course with me, you just have to enroll in the Moodle course and participate. You also might have to enroll with your examination office, but that is something you have to figure out yourself.

Learning outcomes

After the successful completion of this course the students

  • know the material covered in this course, see Content,
  • do have an intuitive understanding of the basic concepts and can work with that,
  • can communicate about all this in English.

Exam

The course is concluded with an oral exam (possibly also a digital written exam, if there are many participants, as will be decided within the first two weeks).

Registration for the exam with us happens at the end of the course. You might also have to register for this exam in your examination office, but this is something you'll have to figure out yourself. Registering with us and with the examination office are independent of each other. If possible we will report your grade to the examination office in any case, whether you have registered there or not. There are no prerequisits for the exam, like 50% points in tutorials or the like.

Condition for granting the credit points

Passing the exam.

Lecturers

Details

Course type
Lectures
Credits
5 CP
Term
Summer Term 2026

Dates

Tutorial
Takes place every week on Thursday from 10:30 to 12:00 in room NB 3/57.
First appointment is on 23.04.2026
Last appointment is on 23.07.2026
Lecture
Takes place every week on Thursday from 12:15 to 13:45 in room NB 3/57.
First appointment is on 16.04.2026
Last appointment is on 23.07.2026

Requirements

Basic knowledge of linear algebra and calculus.

About the INI

The Institut für Neuroinformatik (INI) is a research unit of the Faculties of Computer Science and Medicine at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Its scientific goal is to understand the fundamental principles through which organisms generate behavior and cognition while linked to their environments through sensory and effector systems. Inspired by our insights into such natural cognitive systems, we seek new solutions to problems of information processing in artificial cognitive systems. We draw from a variety of disciplines that include experimental psychology and neurophysiology as well as machine learning, neural artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics.

Contact

Universitätsstr. 150, Building NB, Room 3/32
D-44801 Bochum, Germany

Tel: (+49) 234 32-28967
Fax: (+49) 234 32-14210

sekretariat@ini.rub.de
www.ini.rub.de