Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies | Evaluated Learning Experience
Basic Concepts in Mathematics (MAT 103)
Versions 1 and 2: Varies; self-study format.
Version 1: March 2016 - July 2021. Version 2: August 2021 - Present.
Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify examples of the pervasiveness and importance of mathematics in the world around them; investigate challenging applied problems found in disciplines such as biology, ecology and finance; understand the fundamental ideas in descriptive statistics and recognize how statistics can be used and misused; think critically about real-world problems and be a more critical consumer of information; transfer real world information into a mathematical model accurately use problem-solving techniques, logical reasoning, algorithms and/or theorems to produce correct and useful results; apply analytical, numeric, descriptive, and graphical representations to aid in problem-solving; use technology effectively (including the Microsoft Excel) to experiment, solve problems, create and interpret graphs, and verify results; collaborate responsibly and productively; and clearly communicate mathematical findings in writing and through oral presentations.
Versions 1: Basic Concepts in Mathematics covers elementary mathematical ideas in order in order to gain a better appreciation and broader view of what mathematics is all about. The final exam assesses students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills in applying a number of applications of mathematics to real world problems. Major topics include: the mathematics of Voting, Sharing, Apportionment, Logistics, Touring, Spiral Growth in Nature, Money, Symmetry, Statistics, and Normal Distribution. Version 2: All topics in Version 1, additionally, extra reading material to cover topics involving algorithmic problem solving; Venn diagrams to relate methods of representing mathematical formulas in areas such as voting, profit sharing, logistics, resource allocations and more; further exploring the science of statistics in terms of identifying key factors, collecting data, interpreting the results; reading graphs; interpreting data relating to distance calculation; identifying and understanding arithmetic sequences; working with the nth Fibonacci sequence, and understanding how to apply percentages to real life equations such as sales and tax equations.
Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Mathematics, Business, Marketing, or Finance (3/16). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Mathematics, Business, Marketing, or Finance (8/21 revalidation).
