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For some students, college algebra is a major obstacle. Some schools, especially community colleges, offer an alternative math course called Contemporary Mathematics.
This alternative course teaches similar critical thinking skills but puts math in a more practical and workable context for non-mathematics students. Liberal Arts majors often find themselves in a crucial situation where they fail to solve real-life problems.
Some professors and educators believe that students don’t use algebra in their workplace applications and that they have an unnecessary fear of algebra. Because of this, many non-STEM students struggle with college algebra.
Math is essential in virtually any area of study. Finance, Engineering, Marketing, and, more or less, each field needs efficiency in mathematics. Thus, designing a new course with basic mathematics reasoning skills is required.
1. What does Contemporary Math Coursework Entail?
A contemporary mathematics class is designed to survey practical applications and some of the essential ideas in mathematics. In a typical program, you will study mathematical modelling, art and math, finance, number concepts, and problem-solving. You will acquire knowledge from a wide range of mathematical disciplines.
Not only mathematical applications involving calculators but also statistical equations and theorems of practical knowledge are taught. This includes the distribution of data, their shapes, box plots, scatter plots, and several other topics.
You will also learn concepts about exponential growth, exponential functions, fractiles, exponential decay, compound growth, half-life, recursion, visualization, surface area, Pythagoras theorem, and volume.
By studying all these, you will develop critical thinking and problem-solving strategies that are important in your career. It’s always possible that your interest in maths leads you to a more advanced level of mathematics, and you become a mathematician or Physicist.
2. Course Topics In Contemporary Mathematics
This course, being a non-STEM course, involves only contemporary and relevant math topics. These are:
2.1. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is the mathematical task through which students are exposed to intellectual challenges for mathematical understanding and development.
2.2. Sets
In mathematics, Sets are collections of distinct, well-defined objects whose elements are fixed and cannot be changed.
2.3. Logic
In a simple word, Logic refersLogiceason. It can be a legal opinion or a mathematical confirmation. Logic is the study of truth and how we can obtain truth from mathematical deduction.
2.4. Numeration Systems
The numeration system, known as the numeral system, is a mathematical notion where digits or other symbols are used to represent numbers.
2.5. Number Theory and The Real Numbers
Number theory is a branch of pure mathematics that helps study integers (e.g. whole numbers) and arithmetic functions. Real numbers are quantities that can be expressed as an infinite decimal number and are used to measure a continuous dimensional quantity such as temperature, distance, and many more.
2.6. Equation and Inequalities
When a mathematical relationship (Equation) between two values that are not equal is defined as an inequality. This is the mathematical study of two values, which analyzes their qualities and inequalities.
2.7. Functions and Graphs
In mathematical expression, a Function is a relationship between two variables with some rules. Graphs of functions are sets of ordered pairs that form a curve.
2.8. Geometry
Geometry is the branch of mathematics concerned with the shapes, angles, dimensions, and sizes of various objects and the properties of surrounding space.
2.9. Mathematical Systems
A mathematical system consists of a set of undefined elements with one or more binary operations defined on it. It is generally a logical study of shape, arrangement, and quantity.
2.10. Counting Techniques
Counting techniques are mathematical tools for counting the size of the sample and event space. Several counting techniques include multiplication rules, permutations, combinations, and many more.
2.11. Probability
Probability is used to refer to mathematical calculations that define all the possibilities that exist for phenomena to occur in certain random circumstances.
2.12. Statistics
Statistics is a branch of applied mathematics that deals with the study of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, presenting, and organizing quantitative data. Integral calculus, probability theory, and other theories are used in statistics.
2.13. Finance
Finance is the study and management of money, investments, and capital assets. Banking, borrowing, saving, lending and budgeting are involved in the discipline.
2.14. Voting and Apportionment
This discipline describes mathematical principles for the fair allocation of identical items among parties.
2.15. Graph Theory
Discrete mathematical structures of studying graphs are Graph Theory in math.
3. Career Opportunities in Contemporary Mathematics
There are broad job prospects available for pursuing this course. There are many fields and businesses where you will find math helpful and directly applicable, and their crucial analysis is needed. Learning contemporary mathematics sharpens your mind and teaches you to interpret objectively.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of mathematicians and statisticians is expected to grow by 30% from 2022 to 2032. There are multifaceted job opportunities, such as
3.1. Actuaries
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty.
3.2. Computer Programmers
Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function correctly.
3.3. Computer Systems Analysts
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.
3.4. Data Scientists
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
3.5. Economists
Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate monetary and fiscal policy issues. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.
3.6. Financial Analysts
Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in spending money to attain profit.
3.7. Market Research Analysts
Analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential product or service sales.
3.8. Operations Research Analysts
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to helLogicve complex issues.
3.9. Physicists and Astronomers
Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
3.10. Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in various academic subjects beyond the high school level.
4. In Summary
Contemporary Maths has enabled liberal arts students to pursue maths daily. This discipline has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations and enriched each liberal arts student pursuing this course. Its applications span a variety of domains, making it an inseparable tool for multidisciplinary researchers, practitioners, educators, and enthusiasts like us.
This course is relevant in today’s workplace, and its demand among students is growing because of its multiple career opportunities. We hope that students will indulge themselves more in this particular domain in the future.
Last Updated on by Shataghnee Chanda
