MA103 is the first course of the mathematics core curriculum. It emphasizes applied mathematics through modeling. Students develop effective strategies to solve complex and often ill-defined problems. The course exercises a wide array of mathematical concepts while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and learning through activities performed in disciplinary and interdisciplinary settings. The course introduces calculus using continuous and discrete mathematics while analyzing dynamic change in applied problems. Students employ a variety of technological tools to enhance the ability to visualize concepts, to explore ideas through experimentation and iteration, to complete complex and time-consuming computations, and to develop numerical, graphical, and analytical solutions that enhance understanding.
