Mathematics Clinic
What is the Mathematics Clinic?
A clinic project is an academic-year-long course in which a team of three to five students work on a problem which is sourced from a sponsoring industry, government or non-profit organisation to solve a real-world industry problem in an academic setting. An academic advisor oversees the project, while a sponsor-designated liaison monitors the work effort, provides regular feedback and serves as a source of domain expertise on the specific problem. The students make a series of presentations and written progress reports in the course of the year, gaining experience with this important aspect of project work.
Clinic projects are technically difficult problems for which no prior guaranteed solution exists. Thus they utilise and help build the exceptional mix of research and computing skills of our students. At the same time, the group structure and industrial exposure provide the students with valuable real-world technical and managerial experience, an asset to them and their eventual employers.
What do the sponsors gain?
- Useful project results such as prototype software, a feasibility study, a proof of concept, a system analysis a design proposal or a research summary
- Retention of all Intellectual Property from resulting outcomes
- A fresh insight on their problem from a talented team of students
- A very cost effective way of solving their problem
Every Clinic project culminates in a formal on-site presentation and a comprehensive final report.
What is the sponsor’s involvement?
- Submission of a project statement prior to commencement
- Appointment of a liaison to guide the team to desired results through weekly contact. Success will depend to a large extent on the quality of interaction between the liaison and the Clinic team
- Payment of a Clinic fee in instalments over the academic year. Advice on the current Clinic fee can be obtained from the Clinic Director (see contact information on this flier).
Possible Projects
The projects must have a major component of Mathematics and Computing and have the scope to provide a feasible challenge to the project team, without presenting them with an unachievable task.
Typically, projects might involve problems of a logistical nature, involve scheduling, statistical analysis, financial modelling, or environmental modelling, however any project in which it is clear that mathematical techniques are appropriate to their solution will be considered.
In 2004 the clinic group worked on a problem provided by Woolworths Supermarkets. This project involved a reorganisation of all product lines within their Gepps Cross warehouse in preparation for the introduction of rolling cages as a means of restocking shelves in their supermarkets. The clinic team developed techniques for modelling this problem, together with software for implementing a solution.
Currently the clinic group are working with the mining giant WMC Resources (part of the BHP Billiton Group) on how to maximise the utilisation of underground equipment at the Olympic Dam mine.
Click on the link for more information on this years Maths Clinic.
Timetable of events
- December – February: the sponsor commits to the Clinic Program by providing a project statement
- March: A student team is formed and project work commences
- April: The project team submits a complete work proposal
- July: A mid-term report is prepared and a sponsor site presentation is made
- November (early): A final presentation is made in conjunction with Engineering projects day
- November (late): Final results and reports are delivered and a sponsor site presentation is made
Origin of the Mathematics Clinic
The Mathematics Clinic at the University of South Australia is the only Mathematics program of its type in Australia. The Clinic is modelled on the internationally recognised Clinic program conducted at Harvey Mudd College in California which has been in operation since 1963. Since its inception at HMC, over 250 organisations have participated, resulting in over 1000 completed projects in the areas of Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or multidisciplinary areas. A testament to the success of this concept is the fact that many of the sponsors have returned several times to present new problems.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
Mathematics Clinic Director
School of Mathematics & Statistics
University of South Australia
Mawson Lakes Campus
Mawson Lakes 5095
South Australia
Phone: + 61 8 8302 3196
Fax: + 61 8 8302 5785