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    Overview

    The development of understanding, formulation and application of a variety of approaches to quantitative problem solving in scientific disciplines.

    The modern world is built on science and technology. As such, the increasingly competitive job market requires new graduates to have confidence and fluency in quantitative problem solving. MATH 120 uses a problem-based learning approach to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills by consistently working through applied examples from a range of scientific disciplines, while learning new techniques and tools. Students will be encouraged to try different approaches, critically analyse their findings and communicate them orally and/or as written reports. As a result, MATH 120 students will be ideally equipped to specialise in any discipline that includes a quantitative component.

    About this paper

    Paper title Mathematics for Scientists
    Subject Mathematics
    EFTS 0.1500
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Summer School (Distance learning)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Restriction
    MATH 101, MATH 102, MATH 160 and MATH 170
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Eligibility

    Suitable for any undergraduates and professionals with an interest in gaining more confidence and fluency with quantitative approaches to problem solving in the natural, social and medical sciences.

    Contact

    For more information, contact MATH and COMO100 Level Advisors Sarah Wakes sarah.wakes@otago.ac.nz or Robert Van Gorder robert.vangorder@otago.ac.nz.

    Teaching staff

    To be confirmed

    Paper Structure

    The paper is structured around 5 modules:

    1. Measuring the natural world
    2. Emperical analysis
    3. Modelling change in time
    4. Computing with mthematical models
    5. Higher-dimensional models
    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely. MATH 120 is offered via Distance Learning as part of Summer School. It is taught over six weeks with all material available asynchronously.

    There are two 2-hour videoconference laboratories per week.

    For Semester 1 and Semester 2, MATH 120 is a standard on-campus 13-week semester paper, with three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. General drop-in sessions are also available weekly to help students with basic needs.

    Students will work in groups of four on a semester-long themed project co-created with academics in other departments across the sciences.

    The paper is 100% internally assessed with four types of assessments:

    • Five online assignments (40%)
    • Five laboratory-based assessments (30%)
    • Final individual project report (25%)
    • Oral presentation (5%)
    Textbooks

    Textbooks are not required for this paper.

    Course outline

    View the course outline for MATH 120

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised

    Interdisciplinary perspective, critical thinking, scholarship, research, information literacy, communication.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Understand the role of and how to formulate a scientific problem using quantitative approaches
    • Identify and evaluate relevant quantitative approaches for physical, geo-, biological, biomedical, business and social sciences
    • Evaluate, visualize and synthesize data for quantitative problem solving
    • Identify and apply appropriate models to describe scientific problems
    • Use a range of mathematical and computational techniques to solve problems

    Timetable

    Summer School

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 10:00-10:50 9-13, 15-22
    Tuesday 10:00-10:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 10:00-10:50 9-13, 15-22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Wednesday 13:00-14:50 9-13, 15-22
    A3 Thursday 10:00-11:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    A4 Thursday 13:00-14:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    A6 Thursday 15:00-16:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
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