A Conceptual Introduction To Modeling

A Conceptual Introduction To Modeling

Author: David W. Britt

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2014-03-05

Total Pages: 230

ISBN-13: 1317779428

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

When seeking to test specific hypotheses in large data sets, social and behavioral scientists often construct models. Although useful in such situations, many phenomena of interest do not occur in large samples and do not lend themselves to precise measurement. In addition, a focus on hypothesis testing can constrict the potential use of models as organizing devices for emerging patterns -- summaries of what we believe we know about the dynamics of situation. This book bridges the gap between "quantitative" and "qualitative" modelers to reconcile the need to impose rigor and to understand the influence of context. Although there are many different uses for models, there is also the realistic possibility of doing credible research without their use. A critical reexamination of the assumptions used in quantitatively-oriented models, however, suggests ways to increase their effectiveness as organizers of both quantitative and qualitative data. Students of methods in psychology, sociology, education, management, social work, and public health -- and their instructors -- are increasingly expected to become familiar with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Unfortunately, they find few vehicles for communication regarding the implications of overlapping work between the two approaches. Using models as organizing devices for a better dialogue between assumptions and data might facilitate this communication process.


Book Synopsis A Conceptual Introduction To Modeling by : David W. Britt

Download or read book A Conceptual Introduction To Modeling written by David W. Britt and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2014-03-05 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When seeking to test specific hypotheses in large data sets, social and behavioral scientists often construct models. Although useful in such situations, many phenomena of interest do not occur in large samples and do not lend themselves to precise measurement. In addition, a focus on hypothesis testing can constrict the potential use of models as organizing devices for emerging patterns -- summaries of what we believe we know about the dynamics of situation. This book bridges the gap between "quantitative" and "qualitative" modelers to reconcile the need to impose rigor and to understand the influence of context. Although there are many different uses for models, there is also the realistic possibility of doing credible research without their use. A critical reexamination of the assumptions used in quantitatively-oriented models, however, suggests ways to increase their effectiveness as organizers of both quantitative and qualitative data. Students of methods in psychology, sociology, education, management, social work, and public health -- and their instructors -- are increasingly expected to become familiar with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Unfortunately, they find few vehicles for communication regarding the implications of overlapping work between the two approaches. Using models as organizing devices for a better dialogue between assumptions and data might facilitate this communication process.


Conceptual Modeling of Information Systems

Conceptual Modeling of Information Systems

Author: Antoni Olivé

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-08-15

Total Pages: 471

ISBN-13: 3540393900

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This brilliant textbook explains in detail the principles of conceptual modeling independently from particular methods and languages and shows how to apply them in real-world projects. The author covers all aspects of the engineering process from structural modeling over behavioral modeling to meta-modeling, and completes the presentation with an extensive case study based on the osCommerce system. Written for computer science students in classes on information systems modeling as well as for professionals feeling the need to formalize their experiences or to update their knowledge, Olivé delivers here a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the modeling process. His book is complemented by lots of exercises and additional online teaching material.


Book Synopsis Conceptual Modeling of Information Systems by : Antoni Olivé

Download or read book Conceptual Modeling of Information Systems written by Antoni Olivé and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-08-15 with total page 471 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This brilliant textbook explains in detail the principles of conceptual modeling independently from particular methods and languages and shows how to apply them in real-world projects. The author covers all aspects of the engineering process from structural modeling over behavioral modeling to meta-modeling, and completes the presentation with an extensive case study based on the osCommerce system. Written for computer science students in classes on information systems modeling as well as for professionals feeling the need to formalize their experiences or to update their knowledge, Olivé delivers here a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the modeling process. His book is complemented by lots of exercises and additional online teaching material.


Introduction to Modeling Cognitive Processes

Introduction to Modeling Cognitive Processes

Author: Tom Verguts

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2022-02-01

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 0262045362

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An introduction to computational modeling for cognitive neuroscientists, covering both foundational work and recent developments. Cognitive neuroscientists need sophisticated conceptual tools to make sense of their field’s proliferation of novel theories, methods, and data. Computational modeling is such a tool, enabling researchers to turn theories into precise formulations. This book offers a mathematically gentle and theoretically unified introduction to modeling cognitive processes. Theoretical exercises of varying degrees of difficulty throughout help readers develop their modeling skills. After a general introduction to cognitive modeling and optimization, the book covers models of decision making; supervised learning algorithms, including Hebbian learning, delta rule, and backpropagation; the statistical model analysis methods of model parameter estimation and model evaluation; the three recent cognitive modeling approaches of reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning, and Bayesian models; and models of social interaction. All mathematical concepts are introduced gradually, with no background in advanced topics required. Hints and solutions for exercises and a glossary follow the main text. All code in the book is Python, with the Spyder editor in the Anaconda environment. A GitHub repository with Python files enables readers to access the computer code used and start programming themselves. The book is suitable as an introduction to modeling cognitive processes for students across a range of disciplines and as a reference for researchers interested in a broad overview.


Book Synopsis Introduction to Modeling Cognitive Processes by : Tom Verguts

Download or read book Introduction to Modeling Cognitive Processes written by Tom Verguts and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2022-02-01 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An introduction to computational modeling for cognitive neuroscientists, covering both foundational work and recent developments. Cognitive neuroscientists need sophisticated conceptual tools to make sense of their field’s proliferation of novel theories, methods, and data. Computational modeling is such a tool, enabling researchers to turn theories into precise formulations. This book offers a mathematically gentle and theoretically unified introduction to modeling cognitive processes. Theoretical exercises of varying degrees of difficulty throughout help readers develop their modeling skills. After a general introduction to cognitive modeling and optimization, the book covers models of decision making; supervised learning algorithms, including Hebbian learning, delta rule, and backpropagation; the statistical model analysis methods of model parameter estimation and model evaluation; the three recent cognitive modeling approaches of reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning, and Bayesian models; and models of social interaction. All mathematical concepts are introduced gradually, with no background in advanced topics required. Hints and solutions for exercises and a glossary follow the main text. All code in the book is Python, with the Spyder editor in the Anaconda environment. A GitHub repository with Python files enables readers to access the computer code used and start programming themselves. The book is suitable as an introduction to modeling cognitive processes for students across a range of disciplines and as a reference for researchers interested in a broad overview.


Conceptual Models

Conceptual Models

Author: Jeff Johnson

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-05-31

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 3031021959

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

People make use of software applications in their activities, applying them as tools in carrying out tasks. That this use should be good for people--easy, effective, efficient, and enjoyable--is a principal goal of design. In this book, we present the notion of Conceptual Models, and argue that Conceptual Models are core to achieving good design. From years of helping companies create software applications, we have come to believe that building applications without Conceptual Models is just asking for designs that will be confusing and difficult to learn, remember, and use. We show how Conceptual Models are the central link between the elements involved in application use: people's tasks (task domains), the use of tools to perform the tasks, the conceptual structure of those tools, the presentation of the conceptual model (i.e., the user interface), the language used to describe it, its implementation, and the learning that people must do to use the application. We further show that putting a Conceptual Model at the center of the design and development process can pay rich dividends: designs that are simpler and mesh better with users' tasks, avoidance of unnecessary features, easier documentation, faster development, improved customer uptake, and decreased need for training and customer support. Table of Contents: Using Tools / Start with the Conceptual Model / Definition / Structure / Example / Essential Modeling / Optional Modeling / Process / Value / Epilogue


Book Synopsis Conceptual Models by : Jeff Johnson

Download or read book Conceptual Models written by Jeff Johnson and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-05-31 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: People make use of software applications in their activities, applying them as tools in carrying out tasks. That this use should be good for people--easy, effective, efficient, and enjoyable--is a principal goal of design. In this book, we present the notion of Conceptual Models, and argue that Conceptual Models are core to achieving good design. From years of helping companies create software applications, we have come to believe that building applications without Conceptual Models is just asking for designs that will be confusing and difficult to learn, remember, and use. We show how Conceptual Models are the central link between the elements involved in application use: people's tasks (task domains), the use of tools to perform the tasks, the conceptual structure of those tools, the presentation of the conceptual model (i.e., the user interface), the language used to describe it, its implementation, and the learning that people must do to use the application. We further show that putting a Conceptual Model at the center of the design and development process can pay rich dividends: designs that are simpler and mesh better with users' tasks, avoidance of unnecessary features, easier documentation, faster development, improved customer uptake, and decreased need for training and customer support. Table of Contents: Using Tools / Start with the Conceptual Model / Definition / Structure / Example / Essential Modeling / Optional Modeling / Process / Value / Epilogue


Conceptual Data Modeling and Database Design: A Fully Algorithmic Approach, Volume 1

Conceptual Data Modeling and Database Design: A Fully Algorithmic Approach, Volume 1

Author: Christian Mancas

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2016-01-05

Total Pages: 662

ISBN-13: 1498728448

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This new book aims to provide both beginners and experts with a completely algorithmic approach to data analysis and conceptual modeling, database design, implementation, and tuning, starting from vague and incomplete customer requests and ending with IBM DB/2, Oracle, MySQL, MS SQL Server, or Access based software applications. A rich panoply of s


Book Synopsis Conceptual Data Modeling and Database Design: A Fully Algorithmic Approach, Volume 1 by : Christian Mancas

Download or read book Conceptual Data Modeling and Database Design: A Fully Algorithmic Approach, Volume 1 written by Christian Mancas and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2016-01-05 with total page 662 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This new book aims to provide both beginners and experts with a completely algorithmic approach to data analysis and conceptual modeling, database design, implementation, and tuning, starting from vague and incomplete customer requests and ending with IBM DB/2, Oracle, MySQL, MS SQL Server, or Access based software applications. A rich panoply of s


Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives

Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives

Author: Robert Mamayev

Publisher: Apress

Published: 2013-12-03

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 1430265892

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Written in plain English and based on successful client engagements, Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives: A Conceptual Approach introduces new and veteran data modelers, financial analysts, and IT professionals to the fascinating world of financial derivatives. Covering futures, forwards, options, swaps, and forward rate agreements, finance and modeling expert Robert Mamayev shows you step-by-step how to structure and describe financial data using advanced data modeling techniques. The book introduces IT professionals, in particular, to various financial and data modeling concepts that they may not have seen before, giving them greater proficiency in the financial language of derivatives—and greater ability to communicate with financial analysts without fear or hesitation. Such knowledge will be especially useful to those looking to pick up the necessary skills to become productive right away working in the financial sector. Financial analysts reading this book will come to grips with various data modeling concepts and therefore be in better position to explain the underlying business to their IT audience. Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives—which presumes no advanced knowledge of derivatives or data modeling—will help you: Learn the best entity–relationship modeling method out there—Barker’s CASE methodology—and its application in the financial industry Understand how to identify and creatively reuse data modeling patterns Gain an understanding of financial derivatives and their various applications Learn how to model derivatives contracts and understand the reasoning behind certain design decisions Resolve derivatives data modeling complexities parsimoniously so that your clients can understand them intuitively Packed with numerous examples, diagrams, and techniques, this book will enable you to recognize the various design patterns that you are most likely to encounter in your professional career and apply them successfully in practice. Anyone working with financial models will find it an invaluable tool and career booster. What you’ll learnYou will learn how to: Recognize and identify financial derivatives Reuse data modeling patterns and apply them to create something new Data model simple and complex options Data model SWAPS Data model futures and forward contracts Who this book is for Data modelers, financial analysts, IT professionals, and anyone with an interest in data modeling and business analysis. Table of Contents Introduction Notation Financial Contracts Primer Modeling Forward Contracts Modeling Futures Contracts Modeling Options Advanced Options Modeling – Designing Trading Strategies Swaps and Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) Finishing Thoughts


Book Synopsis Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives by : Robert Mamayev

Download or read book Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives written by Robert Mamayev and published by Apress. This book was released on 2013-12-03 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written in plain English and based on successful client engagements, Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives: A Conceptual Approach introduces new and veteran data modelers, financial analysts, and IT professionals to the fascinating world of financial derivatives. Covering futures, forwards, options, swaps, and forward rate agreements, finance and modeling expert Robert Mamayev shows you step-by-step how to structure and describe financial data using advanced data modeling techniques. The book introduces IT professionals, in particular, to various financial and data modeling concepts that they may not have seen before, giving them greater proficiency in the financial language of derivatives—and greater ability to communicate with financial analysts without fear or hesitation. Such knowledge will be especially useful to those looking to pick up the necessary skills to become productive right away working in the financial sector. Financial analysts reading this book will come to grips with various data modeling concepts and therefore be in better position to explain the underlying business to their IT audience. Data Modeling of Financial Derivatives—which presumes no advanced knowledge of derivatives or data modeling—will help you: Learn the best entity–relationship modeling method out there—Barker’s CASE methodology—and its application in the financial industry Understand how to identify and creatively reuse data modeling patterns Gain an understanding of financial derivatives and their various applications Learn how to model derivatives contracts and understand the reasoning behind certain design decisions Resolve derivatives data modeling complexities parsimoniously so that your clients can understand them intuitively Packed with numerous examples, diagrams, and techniques, this book will enable you to recognize the various design patterns that you are most likely to encounter in your professional career and apply them successfully in practice. Anyone working with financial models will find it an invaluable tool and career booster. What you’ll learnYou will learn how to: Recognize and identify financial derivatives Reuse data modeling patterns and apply them to create something new Data model simple and complex options Data model SWAPS Data model futures and forward contracts Who this book is for Data modelers, financial analysts, IT professionals, and anyone with an interest in data modeling and business analysis. Table of Contents Introduction Notation Financial Contracts Primer Modeling Forward Contracts Modeling Futures Contracts Modeling Options Advanced Options Modeling – Designing Trading Strategies Swaps and Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) Finishing Thoughts


An Informal Introduction to Turbulence

An Informal Introduction to Turbulence

Author: A. Tsinober

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-04-11

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 030648384X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

To Turbulence by ARKADY TSINOBER Department of Fluid Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel KLUWER ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS NEW YORK, BOSTON, DORDRECHT, LONDON, MOSCOW eBookISBN: 0-306-48384-X Print ISBN: 1-4020-0110-X ©2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers NewYork, Boston, Dordrecht, London, Moscow Print ©2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers Dordrecht All rights reserved No part of this eBook maybe reproducedor transmitted inanyform or byanymeans, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written consent from the Publisher Created in the United States of America Visit Kluwer Online at: http://kluweronline. com and Kluwer's eBookstoreat: http://ebooks. kluweronline. com TO My WITS TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Brief history 1 1. 1 1. 2 Nature and major qualitative universal features of turbulent flows 2 1. 2. 1 Representative examples of turbulent flows 2 1. 2. 2 In lieu of definition: major qualitative universal f- tures of turbulent flows 15 1. 3 Why turbulence is so impossibly difficult? The three N's 19 On the Navier-Stokes equations 19 1. 3. 1 1. 3. 2 On the nature of the problem 21 1. 3. 3 Nonlinearity 22 1. 3. 4 Noninegrability 22 Nonlocality 1. 3. 5 23 1. 3. 6 On physics of turbulence 24 1. 3. 7 On statistical theories 24 1. 4 Outline of the following material 25 1. 5 In lieu of summary 26 2 ORIGINS OF TURBULENCE 27 2. 1 Instability 27 2. 2 Transition to turbulence versus routes to chaos 29 2.


Book Synopsis An Informal Introduction to Turbulence by : A. Tsinober

Download or read book An Informal Introduction to Turbulence written by A. Tsinober and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-04-11 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To Turbulence by ARKADY TSINOBER Department of Fluid Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel KLUWER ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS NEW YORK, BOSTON, DORDRECHT, LONDON, MOSCOW eBookISBN: 0-306-48384-X Print ISBN: 1-4020-0110-X ©2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers NewYork, Boston, Dordrecht, London, Moscow Print ©2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers Dordrecht All rights reserved No part of this eBook maybe reproducedor transmitted inanyform or byanymeans, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written consent from the Publisher Created in the United States of America Visit Kluwer Online at: http://kluweronline. com and Kluwer's eBookstoreat: http://ebooks. kluweronline. com TO My WITS TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Brief history 1 1. 1 1. 2 Nature and major qualitative universal features of turbulent flows 2 1. 2. 1 Representative examples of turbulent flows 2 1. 2. 2 In lieu of definition: major qualitative universal f- tures of turbulent flows 15 1. 3 Why turbulence is so impossibly difficult? The three N's 19 On the Navier-Stokes equations 19 1. 3. 1 1. 3. 2 On the nature of the problem 21 1. 3. 3 Nonlinearity 22 1. 3. 4 Noninegrability 22 Nonlocality 1. 3. 5 23 1. 3. 6 On physics of turbulence 24 1. 3. 7 On statistical theories 24 1. 4 Outline of the following material 25 1. 5 In lieu of summary 26 2 ORIGINS OF TURBULENCE 27 2. 1 Instability 27 2. 2 Transition to turbulence versus routes to chaos 29 2.


Domain-Specific Conceptual Modeling

Domain-Specific Conceptual Modeling

Author: Dimitris Karagiannis

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-03-10

Total Pages: 643

ISBN-13: 3030935477

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book demonstrates the significance of domain-specific conceptual modeling through new research and development approaches that are manifested in each of the chapters. They include novel modelling methods and tools that emphasize the recent results accomplished and their adequacy to assess specific aspects of a domain. Each chapter offers detailed instructions on how to build models in a particular domain, such as product-service engineering, enterprise engineering, digital business ecosystems, and enterprise modelling and capability management. All chapters are enriched with case studies, related information, and tool implementations. The tools are based on the ADOxx metamodelling platform and are provided free of charge via OMiLAB. Furthermore, the book emphasizes possible future developments and potential research directions. The collection of works presented here will benefit experts and practitioners from academia and industry alike, including members of the conceptual modeling community as well as lecturers and students.


Book Synopsis Domain-Specific Conceptual Modeling by : Dimitris Karagiannis

Download or read book Domain-Specific Conceptual Modeling written by Dimitris Karagiannis and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-03-10 with total page 643 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book demonstrates the significance of domain-specific conceptual modeling through new research and development approaches that are manifested in each of the chapters. They include novel modelling methods and tools that emphasize the recent results accomplished and their adequacy to assess specific aspects of a domain. Each chapter offers detailed instructions on how to build models in a particular domain, such as product-service engineering, enterprise engineering, digital business ecosystems, and enterprise modelling and capability management. All chapters are enriched with case studies, related information, and tool implementations. The tools are based on the ADOxx metamodelling platform and are provided free of charge via OMiLAB. Furthermore, the book emphasizes possible future developments and potential research directions. The collection of works presented here will benefit experts and practitioners from academia and industry alike, including members of the conceptual modeling community as well as lecturers and students.


The Model Thinker

The Model Thinker

Author: Scott E. Page

Publisher: Basic Books

Published: 2018-11-27

Total Pages: 585

ISBN-13: 0465094635

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Work with data like a pro using this guide that breaks down how to organize, apply, and most importantly, understand what you are analyzing in order to become a true data ninja. From the stock market to genomics laboratories, census figures to marketing email blasts, we are awash with data. But as anyone who has ever opened up a spreadsheet packed with seemingly infinite lines of data knows, numbers aren't enough: we need to know how to make those numbers talk. In The Model Thinker, social scientist Scott E. Page shows us the mathematical, statistical, and computational models—from linear regression to random walks and far beyond—that can turn anyone into a genius. At the core of the book is Page's "many-model paradigm," which shows the reader how to apply multiple models to organize the data, leading to wiser choices, more accurate predictions, and more robust designs. The Model Thinker provides a toolkit for business people, students, scientists, pollsters, and bloggers to make them better, clearer thinkers, able to leverage data and information to their advantage.


Book Synopsis The Model Thinker by : Scott E. Page

Download or read book The Model Thinker written by Scott E. Page and published by Basic Books. This book was released on 2018-11-27 with total page 585 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Work with data like a pro using this guide that breaks down how to organize, apply, and most importantly, understand what you are analyzing in order to become a true data ninja. From the stock market to genomics laboratories, census figures to marketing email blasts, we are awash with data. But as anyone who has ever opened up a spreadsheet packed with seemingly infinite lines of data knows, numbers aren't enough: we need to know how to make those numbers talk. In The Model Thinker, social scientist Scott E. Page shows us the mathematical, statistical, and computational models—from linear regression to random walks and far beyond—that can turn anyone into a genius. At the core of the book is Page's "many-model paradigm," which shows the reader how to apply multiple models to organize the data, leading to wiser choices, more accurate predictions, and more robust designs. The Model Thinker provides a toolkit for business people, students, scientists, pollsters, and bloggers to make them better, clearer thinkers, able to leverage data and information to their advantage.


Introduction to Groundwater Modeling

Introduction to Groundwater Modeling

Author: Herbert F. Wang

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 1995-07-26

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 0080571948

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The dramatic advances in the efficiency of digital computers during the past decade have provided hydrologists with a powerful tool for numerical modeling of groundwater systems. Introduction to Groundwater Modeling presents a broad, comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and applications of computerized groundwater modeling. The book covers both finite difference and finite element methods and includes practical sample programs that demonstrate theoretical points described in the text. Each chapter is followed by problems, notes, and references to additional information. This volume will be indispensable to students in introductory groundwater modeling courses as well as to groundwater professionals wishing to gain a complete introduction to this vital subject. Key Features * Systematic exposition of the basic ideas and results of Hilbert space theory and functional analysis * Great variety of applications that are not available in comparable books * Different approach to the Lebesgue integral, which makes the theory easier, more intuitive, and more accessible to undergraduate students


Book Synopsis Introduction to Groundwater Modeling by : Herbert F. Wang

Download or read book Introduction to Groundwater Modeling written by Herbert F. Wang and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 1995-07-26 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The dramatic advances in the efficiency of digital computers during the past decade have provided hydrologists with a powerful tool for numerical modeling of groundwater systems. Introduction to Groundwater Modeling presents a broad, comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and applications of computerized groundwater modeling. The book covers both finite difference and finite element methods and includes practical sample programs that demonstrate theoretical points described in the text. Each chapter is followed by problems, notes, and references to additional information. This volume will be indispensable to students in introductory groundwater modeling courses as well as to groundwater professionals wishing to gain a complete introduction to this vital subject. Key Features * Systematic exposition of the basic ideas and results of Hilbert space theory and functional analysis * Great variety of applications that are not available in comparable books * Different approach to the Lebesgue integral, which makes the theory easier, more intuitive, and more accessible to undergraduate students