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Course Proposals (Drafts)

Course Outlines

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Math 372 --- Arithmetic for the College Student

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Catalog Description

A study of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, with an emphasis on applications. Includes applications of proportion and percents, unit conversion, and averages. Problem solving, estimation, small group work, exploratory activities, and the communication of mathematical ideas are an integral part of the course. The use of scientific calculators will also be introduced.

Special notes or advisories: None

Prerequisites

None

Describe representative skills without which the student would be highly unlikely to succeed:

None

Course Learning Outcomes

What should the student be able to do as a result of taking this course? State some of the objectives in terms of specific, measurable student accomplishments.

1. Accurately communicate mathematical ideas using correct mathematical notation, graphs, and vocabulary.
2. Demonstrate the characteristics of an effective learner, such as note-taking, critical thinking, reading, communication through writing, verbal discussions, etc.
3. Identify and discuss uses of mathematics in the real world.
4. Solve common everyday problems that require arithmetic.

Course Content

• Themes: What themes, if any, are threaded throughout the learning experiences in this course?
  • The basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Problem solving.
  • Estimation.
  • Pattern recognition.
  • Graphs and data analysis.
  • Calculator use.
  • Communication.
• Concepts: What concepts do students need to understand to demonstrate course outcomes?
  • A multiple-step problem-solving process.
  • The presentation of mathematical solutions in a logical, coherent structure, including the use of writing skills, grammar, and punctuation.
  • The connection between numbers and graphs or diagrams.
  • Problem-solving skills learned in class are applicable in many different areas outside of the classroom.

• Issues: What primary issues or problems, if any, must students understand to achieve course outcomes.
  • The connection between mathematics and the real world.
  • The role of the student in becoming a successful learner.
  • Math anxiety and test anxiety.
  • Study skills for learning mathematics.
  • The necessity of reading unfamiliar mathematics using the text and other resources.
  • The limitations of technology.
• Skills: What skills must students master to demonstrate course outcomes?
  1. Use a calculator to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  2. Whole Numbers
     • read and write whole numbers
     • add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers
     • round whole numbers
     • determine whether a number is prime
     • find prime factorizations of whole numbers
     • find Least Common Multiples
     • simplify exponential expressions
     • find square roots of perfect squares
     • simplify numeric expressions using Order of Operations
  3. Fractions
     • identify parts of a fraction
     • write fractions in lowest terms
     • add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions
     • convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions
     • find Lowest Common Denominators
  4. Decimals
     • read and write decimals
     • add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals
     • round decimals
     • convert fractions or mixed numbers to decimals
     • convert decimals to fractions or mixed numbers
  5. Ratio and Proportion
     • read and write ratios using a variety of notations
     • distinguish between ratios and rates
     • solve basic proportions
  6. Percent
     • recognize that "percent" means "per hundred"
     • convert between fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, whole numbers, and percents
     • solve percent problems using proportion or equation-solving techniques
  7. Measurement
     • convert between English units
  8. Geometry
     • find perimeters and areas of rectangles and squares
  9. Statistics
     • read and analyze pictographs, pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, frequency distributions, and histograms
     • calculate mean, median, and mode

Representative Learning Activities

What will the students be doing (i.e., Listening to lectures, participating in discussions and/or group activities, attending a field trip, etc.)? Relate the activities directly to the Course Learning Outcomes.

• Listening to lectures.
• Participating in group activities and/or assignments.
• Participating in class assignments and/or discussions.
• Completing homework assignments.

Assessment Tasks

How will the student show evidence of achieving the Course Learning Outcomes? Indicate which assessments (if any) are required for all sections.

• Representative assessment tasks:
• In-class exams.
• Writing assignments to develop communication of mathematical concepts.
• Quizzes.
• Group projects and/or other in-class activities.
• Portfolios.
• Individual projects and/or presentations.
• Required assessments for all sections - to include but not limited to:
• Homework assignments.
• At least two proctored, closed-book examinations, plus a comprehensive final examination.

Examples of Appropriate Texts or Other Readings

• Author: Lial, Salzman, Hestwood; Title: Basic College Mathematics 7th Edition; Date: 2006