Category C2: Quantitative Reasoning Course Guidelines

Understanding Science and Technology - Quantitative Section Guidelines

Courses in this category model with mathematics, construct viable arguments, use appropriate tools strategically, and attain conceptual understanding. Courses explore technology in ways to understand these concepts.  

Learning Objectives

SLO 2b: Apply quantitative reasoning to solve problems and increase knowledge.
SLO 3: Apply skills in critical analysis and reasoning for the interpretation of data.

Guidelines

Quantitative Reasoning courses should place emphasis on students doing quantitative reasoning, rather than merely being exposed to it. Any course stressing quantitative skills, regardless of the home department or prefix, can qualify as a Quantitative Reasoning course. A quantitative reasoning course may have many means for imparting to students an understanding of how quantitative reasoning can be applied in the world.

  1. Quantitative reasoning should be a significant focus of instructional time and should incorporate the following:

      - Interpretation of mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables, proofs, algorithms, and/or schematics

      - Representation of quantitative information symbolically, visually, numerically, or verbally

      - Use of arithmetical, algebraic, geometric, logical, and/or statistical methods to solve problems

      - Critical evaluation of solutions to quantitative problems in order to determine reasonableness, identify alternatives, and select optimal results

      - Recognition that mathematical and statistical methods have limits

      - Quantitative analyses should be applied to one or more disciplines

  1. The course content should emphasize quantitative reasoning assignments (graded or ungraded) and analysis of data. This content should be distributed throughout the course.