Quantitative Reasoning

Description

When will I ever use this? Numbers and data are used in all areas of life and learning how to analyze and interpret numbers is more than just a classroom exercise. Learn how to understand and apply mathematical concepts in real-world situations and develop methods for using data, logic and math beyond the textbooks and equations.

Learning Outcomes

These are the learning outcomes that are expected of students after completing a course.

	Summarize, interpret, and present quantitative data in mathematical forms, such as graphs, diagrams, tables, or mathematical text.
	Develop or compute representations of data using mathematical forms or equations as models, and use statistical methods to assess their validity.
	Make and evaluate important assumptions in the estimation, modeling, and analysis of data, and recognize the limitations of the results.
	Apply mathematical concepts, data, procedures, and solutions to make judgments and draw conclusions.
	Synthesize and present quantitative data to others to explain findings or to provide quantitative evidence in support of a position.

Questions for Students

These are the types of questions you should be able to answer after completing a course.

	What is the role of mathematics in organizing and interpreting measurements of the world?
	How can mathematical models and quantitative analysis be used to summarize or synthesize data into knowledge and predictions?
	What methodology can we apply to validate or reject mathematical models or to express our degree of confidence in them?

Recurring Capacities

Every focus capacity course includes the following activities:

	Writing, totaling at least 10 pages in length or the intellectual equivalent
	Presenting material to the class, smaller groups, or the public through oral presentations, webpages, or other means
	Collaborating in pairs or groups to learn, design, solve, create, build, or research