The course begins with an introduction to the nature of mathematics as an exploration of patterns and as an application of inductive and deductive reasoning. By exploring these topics, students are encouraged to go beyond the typical understanding of mathematics as merely a bunch of formulas, but as a source of aesthetics in patterns of nature. The course then proceeds to survey ways in which mathematics provides a tool for understanding and dealing with various aspects of present day living, such as managing personal finances, making social choices, appreciating geometric designs, understanding codes used in data transmission and security, and dividing limited resources fairly.
At the end of the course, the learners should be able to…
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discuss and argue about the nature of mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed, represented, and used.
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used different types of reason to justify statements and arguments made about mathematics and mathematical concepts.
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discuss the language and symbols of mathematics
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use a variety of statistical tools to process and manage numerical data.
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analyze codes and coding schemes used for identification, privacy, and security purposes.
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use mathematics in other areas such as finance, voting, health and medicine, business, environment, arts and design, and recreation.
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appreciate the nature and uses of mathematics in everyday life.
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affirm honesty and integrity in the application of mathematics to various human endeavors.
- Course creator: Anthony Sison
- Course creator: Kerubin Batoc