MATH& 107 Math in Society (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences; Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning; General Transfer Elective
Formerly MATH 107 - CCN
Prerequisite Completion of GSP
Course Description
Contemporary mathematics applied to a variety of fields. Instructor-chosen topics will focus on graphical- and formula-derived solutions, statistics, applied problems, and communicating solutions. Topics may include management science, statistics, social choice, patterns, and financial applications.
Course Content
Topics of the instructors’ choice will span a variety of mathematical problem-solving techniques:
1) Proportional reasoning or other arithmetic/numerical techniques. Example topics:
a. Dimensional analysis
b. Multi-step problem solving involving proportions, rates, and unit conversion
2) Statistical Methods
3) Graphical methods. Example topics:
a. Graph theory (Euler and Hamiltonian circuits)
b. Scheduling
c. Linear Programming
d. Venn Diagrams
e. Tiling
f. Symmetry and patterns
g. System dynamic modeling
h. Growth models (estimating solutions using graphs)
4) Algorithmic methods. Example topics:
a. Graph theory (Euler and Hamiltonian circuits)
b. Voting theory
c. Apportionment
d. Fair division
e. Finance (amortization schedules)
5) Algebraic methods. Example topics:
a. Consumer finance
b. Growth models
Student Outcomes
1. Read complex scenarios and extract from them information relevant to solving problems. Obtain any necessary additional information from outside sources.
2. Identify a strategy for solving problems in diverse scenarios and contexts.
3. Solve problems using a variety of quantitative and mathematical techniques, including:
a) Solve multi-step problems using proportional reasoning approaches (some examples: dimensional analysis, use rates and ratios, scale shapes, convert square and cubic units, calculate percents)
b) Create and analyze graphical representations of data to summarize data, make comparisons, and visualize distributions.
c) Model and solve problems using graphical methods (some examples: estimate solutions using graphs of functions, use graphs to analyze network flows such as Euler and Hamilton Circuits, use graphs to model scheduling problems, use Venn diagrams to analyze set interactions, create system dynamics models)
d) Solve problems using algorithms (some examples: build amortization schedules, execute voting theory algorithms, execute fair division algorithms, execute network flow algorithms)
e) Solve problems using formulas or equations (some examples: use financial formulas, use probability formulas, build and use growth models)
4. Determine the reasonableness and implications of mathematical solutions, and recognize the limitations of the methods used.
5. Communicate mathematical processes effectively by showing appropriate steps or procedures.
6. Communicate contextual solutions effectively by including units or writing a phrase, complete sentence, or paragraph as appropriate.
7. Interpret results in context of the problem, describe their implications, and/or use the results to make decisions.
8. Solve complex, open-ended problems utilizing elements from all the above outcomes within a single scenario.
Degree Outcomes
Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning: Graduates utilize mathematical, symbolic, logical, graphical, geometric, or statistical analysis for the interpretation and solution of problems in the natural world and human society.
Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Effective Communication: Graduates will be able to exchange messages in a variety of contexts using multiple methods.
Intercultural Engagement: Graduates demonstrate self-efficacy in intercultural engagement to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through reflections and expressions of cultural humility, empathy, and social and civic engagement and action. Further, graduates examine how identities/positionalities such as races, social classes, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and cultures impact perceptions, actions, and the distribution of power and privilege in communities, systems, and institutions.
Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50
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