I. Course Title: Scientific Problem Solving I
II. Course Number: CSAT 121
III. Credit Hours: 2 credits
IV. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
V. Course Description:
This course focuses on problems in the natural sciences in order to establish strong connections for students between the math skills they have already learned and the natural sciences in which they may be applied. This course is designed to increase student confidence, retention, and success in the sciences through an active introduction to the problem solving methods that are widely employed by scientists. Class time will be used to study problems involving the natural world and exploring the methods that are used to solve these problems.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
This course will provide an overview of the problem solving methods employed in the introductory-level courses in the sciences. These methods include unit conversions, fractions, spreadsheets, visual display of data, graphical analysis of data including information provided by slopes, statistics, the quadratic formula, logarithms and natural logarithms, powers and exponents, standard curves and their applications, trigonometry, waves and periodic signals, and algebraic solutions of systems of equations.
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
Class time will be used to study problems involving the natural world and exploring the methods that are used to solve these problems. Students will be shown the strategies necessary to understand the context of the problem as well as how to determine the appropriate mathematical tools needed to solve the problem. Instructional strategies in addition to lecture may include in-class assignments, individual and group activities, presentations, written and online homework, and computer based assignments.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
The goal of this class is to increase student confidence, retention, and success in the sciences through an active introduction to the problem solving methods that are widely employed by scientists. This course employs problems in the sciences as the basis for instruction. Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Grades will be based on a combination of graded homework assignments, exams, in-class quizzes, student presentations, and other real-time assessments.
Review and Approval
August 2020