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MAT 101: Contemporary Mathematics

Course Description

This course will focus on the application of mathematics to today’s world. Topics include street networks, producing and describing data, number and bar codes, weighted voting and apportionment, social choices and linear programming applications. (3 credits)

Recommended Prerequisite

  • MAT 100: Elementary Algebra or High school Algebra

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of basic Mathematics and algebra in today’s world
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and implications of basic techniques
  3. Demonstrate critical judgment and decision-making ability using quantitative tools
  4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the power and scope of analytical thinking

Course Activities and Grading

Students will be assessed as follows:

AssignmentsWeight

Quizzes (Weeks 2, 4, 6 & 7)

30%

Collaborative Project (Week 7)

30%

Discussions (Weeks 1-8

10%

Final Exam (Week 8)

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • COMAP. For All Practical Purposes: Mathematical Literacy in Today’s World - with Access code. 11th ed. New York: Freeman and Company, 2022.

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Topics

Assignments

1

1,2,3,4

Urban Services; Business Efficiency

  • Read and Review:
    • Chapter 1
    • Chapter 2
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete suggested exercises

2

1,2,3,4

Planning & Scheduling; Linear Programming

  • Read and Review:
    • Chapter 3
    • Chapter 4
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete suggested exercises
  • Submit Quiz

3

1,2,3,4

Exploring Data; Distributions & Relationships

  • Read and Review:
    • Chapter 5
    • Chapter 6
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete suggested exercises

4

1,2,3,4

Data for Decisions; Probability

  • Read and Review:
    • Chapter 7
    • Chapter 8
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete suggested exercises
  • Submit Quiz
  • Submit Group Selection Assignment

5

1,2,3,4

Social Choice; Weighted Voting Systems

  • Read and Review:
    • Chapter 9
    • Chapter 10
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete suggested exercises
  • Continue working on the Collaborative Project

6

1,2,3,4

Fair Division; Apportionment

  • Read and Review:
    • Chapter 12
    • Chapter 13
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete suggested exercises
  • Submit Quiz
  • Continue working on the Collaborative Project

7

1,2,3,4

The Economics of Resources

  • Read and Review:
    • Chapter 20
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete suggested exercises
  • Submit Quiz
  • Submit Collaborative Project

8

1,2,3,4

Final Exam

  • Read and Review:
    • All chapters covered for Final Exam
  • Review assigned chapters
  • Submit Final Exam
  • Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.