TEACHING ACTIVITIES

With more than 273 credit hours taught and over 2,300 students educated throughout her career, Dr. Normah brings strong pedagogical experience to both undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics programmes.

Undergraduate Teaching

Dr. Normah has taught a broad range of core, advanced, and applied mathematics courses, including:

• Fuzzy Set Theory
• Ordinary Differential Equations
• Differential Equations
• Discrete Mathematics
• Calculus
• Final Year Project I & II
• Industrial Training

Her teaching approach emphasizes:

• Conceptual understanding of mathematical theory
• Real-world problem applications
• Individual and group problem-solving skills
• Research-based learning & inquiry
• Use of computational tools (MATLAB, Maple, Python)
• Integration of current research such as tumour modelling, epidemiological systems, and fuzzy logic methods

This teaching philosophy helps students build strong analytical foundations, computational proficiency, and readiness for research or industry.

Postgraduate Teaching

At the postgraduate level, Dr. Normah teaches:

• Research Methodology (Metodologi Penyelidikan)

This course focuses on:

• Research framework and proposal development
• Academic ethics and integrity
• Literature review methods and systematic searching
• Analytical and modelling techniques
• Scientific writing for theses and publications

Her guidance enables postgraduate students to transition confidently into independent research work.

SUPERVISION

Dr. Normah has played a pivotal supervisory role across all academic levels:  PhD, Master’s, and Undergraduate, covering a wide spectrum of mathematical modelling areas.

PhD Supervision

Her doctoral students work on advanced topics such as tumour–immune modelling, radiotherapy simulation, harmful algal bloom dynamics, dengue modelling, fractional DDEs, EEG analysis, and graph theory.

PhD Supervision Record

• Main Supervisor:
• 8 PhD graduates
• 4 ongoing candidates
• Co-supervisor:
• 7 PhD graduates

These projects have produced impactful contributions in biomedical modelling, epidemiology, nonlinear dynamics, and computational mathematics.

Master’s Supervision

Dr. Normah supervises master’s students in research and mixed-mode programmes, focusing on modelling, stability analysis, numerical methods, and complex dynamical systems.

Master’s Supervision Record

• Master by Research: 2 graduates
• Master by Mixed-Mode: 10 graduates + 1 ongoing
• Master by Taught Course: None

Topics include nonlinear cancer models, PDE traffic flow models, fuzzy state-space modelling, and ecological systems.

Undergraduate Supervision

Dr. Normah has supervised more than 30 undergraduate projects, guiding students through applied mathematics research and computational modelling.

Her students’ project themes include:

• Tumour–immune interaction models
• Infectious disease modelling (SIR/SEIR, dengue, HIV)
• Harmful algal bloom (HAB) dynamics
• EEG signal analysis (Fourier, Wavelet, FFT)
• Fuzzy and numerical solutions of differential equations
• Predator–prey and ecological dynamics (Runge–Kutta, DTM)
• Graph theory and optimisation problems
• Fuzzy forecasting & clustering
• Fuzzy logic in scheduling and project management

Her mentorship cultivates rigorous mathematical thinking, programming skills, and scientific communication.

EXAMINATION

Dr. Normah is highly involved in evaluating postgraduate theses, serving widely as Internal and External Examiner.

UTM Internal Examiner

She has examined:

• 18 PhD theses
• 4 Master’s theses
• 1 Fast-Track (Direct PhD) examination

Her assessments span:

• ODEs, DDEs, and fractional systems
• Fuzzy modelling & optimisation
• Graph theory & algebraic systems
• Biomedical & ecological modelling
• Numerical and computational mathematics

Her evaluation ensures the robustness and academic integrity of postgraduate research at UTM.

External Examiner

Dr. Normah has served as External Examiner for numerous institutions, evaluating:

• 12 PhD theses
• 2 Master’s theses

These works cover:

• Fractional and multi-stage numerical methods
• Nonlinear fluid and pseudoplastic flow
• Chaotic systems & stability
• Diabetes modelling and epidemiology
• Rabies, dengue, and influenza transmission models
• Combustion instability and vortex flow
• Ecological dynamics and nonlinear analysis

Her external appointments reflect strong international recognition in mathematical modelling.

Other Examiner Roles

She has also reviewed additional postgraduate research involving:

• Epidemiological systems (SIR/SEIR)
• Predator–prey interactions
• Cooling and mechanical systems
• Suspension and mass–spring models
• Engineering and biological differential equation applications

Her broad evaluation portfolio demonstrates her versatility and depth in applied mathematics