MATHEMATICS FOR THE MODERN WORLD

COURSE OUTLINE
I. The Nature of Mathematics
 Mathematics in our world
 Mathematical language and symbols (language of sets, the language of relations and functions)

II. Problem solving and reasoning

 Inductive and Deductive reasoning
 Problem solving with patterns; problem solving strategies

III. Mathematics as a Tool Part I

 Data management/Statistics; measures of average and measures of dispersion; the normal
distribution; linear regression and correlation
 Probability*

IV. Mathematics as a Tool Part II*

 Geometric Designs
 Codes
 Linear Programming
 The Mathematics of Finance
 Apportionment and voting
 Logic
 The Mathematics of Graphs
 Mathematical Systems

REFERENCES
Adam, John A. Mathematics in Nature: Modelling Patterns in the Natural World;
A Mathematical Nature Walk
Aufmann, R. et. al. Mathematical Excursions
Fisher, Carol Burns The Language of Mathematics; The Language and Grammar of Mathematics
Hersh, R. What is Mathematics Really?
Johnson and Mowry Mathematics a Practical Odyssey
Moser and Chen A Student’s Guide to Coding and Information Theory
Stewart, Ian Nature’s Number
Averbach and Chein Problem Solving Through Recreational Mathematics

SYSTEM OF COMPUTING GRADES

MIDTERM RATING (⅓ of FINAL GRADE) TENTATIVE RATING (⅔ of FINAL GRADE)

3 Long Examinations 50% 40% 3 Long Examinations

Midterm Examination 40% 50% Final Examination
Short Quizzes, Assignments, 10% 10% Short Quizzes, Assignments,
Problem Sets and Other Problem Sets and Other
Requirements Requirements

Course Policies:
1. All announcements will be made at the beginning of lecture. This will include schedules for the next lecture,
tasks and consultations.
2. The teacher reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus/policies of the course and inform students as
needed regarding such changes.
3. The students are responsible for knowing the content of any announcements from the teacher.
4. Completion of all requirements of the course will be the basis for the grades at the end of the semester.
5. It is expected that every student will observed honesty and courtesy toward the teacher and their co-
students.

“The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion
that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”
- Isaac Asimov-