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Department of
Mathematics Course Outline
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1. |
Title of Course, Course Number and Credits: Contemporary Mathematics – Math
110 3
credits |
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Description of Course: This course is intended to
provide an understanding of some of the mathematical ideas expected of an
educated adult. Topics include logic, set theory, introductory combinatorics
and applications selected by the instructor. |
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Course Prerequisites: Math 106 or Basic Skills Placement |
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Course Objectives: The basic course objective is to introduce the student to some of the ideas of contemporary mathematics with emphasis on applications. In particular, the objectives are a.
To be able to
recognize mathematical patterns and use these patterns to solve problems. b.
To learn basic ideas
of logic used in elementary mathematics and use these ideas to derive valid
logical conclusions. c.
To understand basic
notions related to sets. d.
To be familiar with
basic concepts of probability and statistics. e.
To learn matrices
and their applications. |
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Student Learning Outcomes. Students will be able to : a.
Locate and use
information to solve problems by recognizing patterns, and presenting an
interpreting data, using line, bar and pie graphs. This will be assessed through class assignments,
examinations, questions, and/or class presentations. b.
Use basic laws of
mathematical logic to arrive at valid logical conclusions so that students
will be able to think critically and logically. The assessment tools are
class assignments, quizzes and examinations questions. c.
Apply critical
thinking skills by using sets and basic probability theory to reformulate and
solve real life problems; which will be assessed through class assignments,
quizzes and examinations questions. d.
Work effectively
with others such as completing group projects or discuss assignments with
classmates. |
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Topical Outline of the Course Content: The Nature of Problem Solving 1. Problem Solving 2. Inductive and Deductive Reasoning 3. Finite and Infinite 2 weeks The Nature of Set Theory and Counting
1 Sets, Subsets, and Venn Diagrams 2 Combined Operations with Sets 3 Permutations 4 Combinations 5 Counting without Counting 2 weeks The Nature of Logic
1 Deductive Reasoning 2 Truth Tables and Conditionals 3 Operators and Laws of Logic 2 weeks The Nature of Probability 1 Introduction to Probability 2 Mathematical Expectation 3 Probability Models 4 Calculated Probabilities 2.5 weeks The Nature of Statistics 1 Frequency Distribution and Graphs 2 Descriptive Statistics 3 4 Correlation and Regression 2.5 weeks The Nature of Algebra
1 Polynomials 2 Factoring 4 Equations 1 week The Nature of Mathematical Systems 1 Systems of Linear Equations 2 Problem Solving with Systems 3 Matrix Solution of a System of
Equations 4 Inverse Matrices 2 weeks |
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Guidelines/Suggestions for Teaching Methods and Student
Learning Activities: Lectures and classroom discussions, in class group work, collecting data and reading graphs from the newspapers. Student projects –submission and presentation. |
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Guidelines/Suggestions for Methods of Student
Assessment (Student Learning Outcomes) Four or five classroom exams - these exams assess problem solving skills and skill to apply mathematics theory. Minimum two or three project submissions and/or presentations, projects include data collection and presentation using various graphs, group projects is encouraged. |
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Suggested Smith, Karl J., The Nature of Mathematics, Tenth
Edition, Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., CA, 2001. |
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Bibliography of Supportive Texts and Other Materials: 1. Jani and Miller, An Introduction to Mathematics, Pearson Custom Publishing, MA, 2001. 2. Johnson, David B. and Mowry, Thomas A., Mathematics: A Practical Odyssey, Third Edition, Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., CA, 1998 3.
4. Billstein, R., Libeskind, S., and Lott, J., A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., New York, 1993 Other 1. American Mathematical Monthly 2. Mathematics Magazines 3. The mathematical intelligencer 4. The New York Times & Other Local Newspapers 5. Internet search; in particular www.ams.org and www.maa.org |
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Preparer’s Name and Date: Prof. M. Jani – Spring 1998 |
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Original Department Approval
Date: Spring 1998 |
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Reviser’s Name and Date: Prof. M. Jani – Spring 2000 UCC - Fall 2002. Prof. M. Rosar – Spring 2004 UCC-Fall 2004 |
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Departmental Revision
Approval Date: |