MATH-101: Mathematics for Health Careers

School
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Division
Mathematics
Department
Mathematics
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Mathematics
Course Number
101
Course Title
Mathematics for Health Careers
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
None
Catalog Course Description

Explores the mathematical skills required for various careers in the health professions. Includes computational skills, essential algebraic concepts, problem-solving strategies, ratio and proportion, dimensional analysis, measurement and geometry, and an introduction to data analysis with problems chosen to represent those commonly encountered in health careers. Requires a scientific calculator.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement
  1. To develop the basic mathematical skills necessary for health careers students.
  2. To encourage the development of problem solving skills.
Core Course Topics
  1. Arithmetic of Whole Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
    1. Find least common multiples of whole numbers.
    2. Model and find equivalent fractions and mixed numbers.
    3. Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers.
    4. Round decimals to a specific place value.
    5. Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals.
    6. Convert between fractions, decimals, and percents.
    7. Perform arithmetic operations using the order of operations for whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
    8. Demonstrate proficiency using a calculator to perform basic operations with whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
  2. Arithmetic of Signed Numbers
    1. Add and subtract signed numbers.
    2. Multiply and divide signed numbers.
  3. Scientific Notation
    1. Convert between scientific notation and standard decimal notation.
    2. Perform arithmetic operations on numbers in scientific notation.
  4. Measurements (Approximate Numbers)
    1. Determine the accuracy, precision, maximum error, and percent error of a measurement.
    2. Compare the accuracy, precision, maximum error, and percent error of a group of measurements.
    3. Perform arithmetic operations on a group of measurements and round the results using the conventional rounding rules for measurements.
  5. Ratio and Proportion
    1. Write ratios, rates, unit rates and set up proportions.
    2. Solve ratio, rate and proportion application problems.
    3. Solve percent applications using proportions.
  6. Measurement Systems
    1. Convert within the U.S. customary system.
    2. Perform arithmetic operations with measurements of weight, capacity, length, and time.
    3. Convert measurements within the Metric measurement system.
    4. Convert between the U.S. Customary system and the Metric system.
    5. Convert measurements within the Apothecary measurement system.
    6. Convert between the Apothecary system and the Metric system.
    7. Convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales.
  7. Basic Algebra
    1. Perform basic operations on polynomials.
    2. Solve linear equations.
    3. Graph linear equations.
  8. Applications to Health Career Professions
    1. Use dimensional analysis or proportions to solve application problems involving medication dosages.
  9. Descriptive Statistical Measures
    1. Compute and interpret the meaning of simple descriptive statistical measures.
    2. Interpret tables and graphs such as bar graphs, histograms, line graphs, pie charts and pareto graphs.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • A comprehensive final examination, weighted in a manner that is worth at least fifteen percent (15%) of the final course grade, is required for all sections.
  • Additional assessment of student achievement may include assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Application problems must not only be included on chapter exams but also on the final exam.
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
  • A scientific calculator is required of each student. Any calculator capable of calculating the values of trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions is acceptable.
  • Application problems must be covered in all mathematics courses. Every section in any course outline that includes application problems must be covered.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Mathematics
Institutional Outcomes
  • Quantitative Literacy

Approval Dates

Effective Term
Fall 2019
ILT Approval Date
AALC Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date
Review Semester
Fall 2019