Contemporary Mathematics

6. Course Objectives:

Basic course objective is to introduce the student to some of the ideas of contemporary mathematics with
emphasis on applications. In particular, the objectives are

• To be able to approach a problem systematically
• To be able to realize math patterns and use these patterns to solve problems
• To learn the basic ideas of logic used in elementary mathematics and able to derive valid logical conclusions
• Understand the basic notions related to sets
• Be familiar with the basic notions of probability
• Able to read simple graphs and understand the basic notions of measures of central tendency
• To be able to present data using line , bar and pie graphs
• Learn basic applications of matrices
• Appreciate and apply the basic concepts of Algebra and Geometry

7. Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:
a. Effectively express themselves in written and oral form
b. Demonstrate ability to think critically
c. Locate and use information
d. Demonstrate ability to integrate knowledge and idea in a coherent and meaningful manner
e. Work effectively with others.

8. Topical Outline of the Course Content:

Chapter 1	The Nature of Problem Solving	.5 week
	1.1 Problem Solving
	1.2 Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
	1.3. Scientific Notation and Estimation
Chapter 3	The Nature of Logic	.5 week
	3.1 Deductive Reasoning
	3.2 Truth Tables and Conditionals
	3.3 Operators and Laws of Logic
	3.2 The Nature of Proof
Chapter 2	The Nature of Sets	.25 week
	2.1 Sets, Subsets and Venn Diagrams
	2.2 Combined Operations with Sets
Chapter 12	The Nature of Counting	.25 week
	12.1 Permutations
	12.1 Combinations
	12.3 Counting without Counting
Chapter 13	The Nature of Probability	.5 week
	13.1 Introduction to Probability
	13.2 Mathematical Expectation
	13.3 Probability Models
	13.4 Calculated Probabilities
Chapter 14	The Nature of Statistics	.5 week
	14.1 Frequency Distribution and Graphs
	14.2 Descriptive Statistics
	14.3 Normal Curve
	14.4 Correlation and Regression
Chapter 16	The Nature of Mathematical Systems	.5 week
	16.1 Systems of Linear Equations
	16.2 Problem Solving with Systems
	16.3 Matrix Solution of a System of Equations
	16.4 Inverse Matrices

9. Teaching Methods:

This course is taught entirely on-line.
a. Six lessons and problem sets
b. Assignment Homework
c. Assignment Summaries
d. Final Exam

10. Course Expectations:

This course is run over the internet. Instead of attending traditional lectures, you will study from the MATH 110
website, which serves as a comprehensive interactive online complement to the textbook. The material of the
website covers some topics from the book The Nature of Mathematics, Edition 11E, Karl J. Smith, Brooks/Cole
Publishing (2007).

MATH 110-Online is divided into six lessons. Each lesson presents new material and it has the following
sections:

• Lecture Notes
Lectures introducing new topics to be studied.

• Reading Assignments
Chapters of the textbook that must be read and studied.

• Problem Sets
A list of representative problems from each chapter to help you understand the weekly material. Problem sets
will constitute a minimum requirement to get to understand the course material. You are encouraged to read
more topics on your own during (and after you finished this) course

• Lesson Homework
Every assignment has a corresponding homework, which is a list of exercises that must be completed online
at the end of the week(s) allocated for the lesson.

• Lesson Summary
For each lesson you need to submit a short summary highlighting what you have learned and consider most
important about the topics, including any real-world applications. It must be submitted online. As with
homework assignments,

• Final Exam

Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is highly valued at online courses just as it is on William Paterson University campus. You
must always submit work that represents your original words or ideas. If any words or ideas are used that do not
represent your original words or ideas, you must cite all relevant sources. You should also make clear the extent
to which such sources were used. Words or ideas that require citations include, but are not limited to, all hardcopy
or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication when the content
of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable source. All submissions fall within the scope of
words and ideas that require citations if used by someone other than the original author.
Academic dishonesty in an Online learning environment could involve:

• Having a tutor or friend complete a portion of your assignments
• Having a reviewer make extensive revisions to an assignment
• Copying work submitted by another student to a public class meeting
• Using information from online information services without proper citation