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CCST9017 Science, Technology and Big Data
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CCST9037 Mathematics: A Cultural Heritage
Course Description
Although not obvious, mathematics actually permeates many areas of our modern society, affecting us fundamentally on an everyday basis. For example, the Human Genome Project, GPS systems, and mobile phones use mathematics extensively as well as other non-science matters such as financial investment, data encryption, and internet searching. Even voting systems, an important feature of our democracy, can be analyzed with the help of mathematics, enabling us to gain a deeper understanding of what is meant by fairness of a voting system or a social choice procedure and its limitations. Through exploring non-technically some mathematically rich daily life topics, this course aims to help students gain essential mathematical literacy for living in the 21st century. Students will learn the mathematical concepts and principles of things that they encounter in modern society, and learn how to handle and interpret numerical and other forms of mathematical data that affect their daily life.
* Note: Mathematics beyond the level of general school mathematics is not required. The focus of the course is on demonstrating analytical reasoning, formulating evidential and logical arguments, and presenting and communicating the coherent body of knowledge acquired.
Course Learning Outcomes
On completing the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of important applications of mathematics in our everyday life.
- Apply mathematical ideas and methods to decision making on everyday issues.
- Investigate the mathematical foundation of topics that are related to everyday life.
- Communicate daily life problems and solutions using appropriate mathematical terminology and good English.
- Solve real-life problems using mathematics and present the solutions using appropriate software.
Offer Semester and Day of Teaching
Course will be offered twice:
Section 1 – First semester (Wed); Section 2 – First semester (Wed)
Study Load
| Activities | Number of hours |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Tutorials | 12 |
| Reading / Self-study | 36 |
| Assessment: Essay / Report writing | 25 |
| Assessment: Presentation (incl preparation) | 10 |
| Assessment: In-class test (incl preparation) | 20 |
| Assessment: Assignments | 30 |
| Total: | 157 |
Assessment: 100% coursework
| Assessment Tasks | Weighting |
| Writing assignments | 35 |
| Mini project and group presentation | 35 |
| In-class test | 30 |
Required Reading
- Bryan, K., & Leise, T. (2006). The $25,000,000,000 eigenvector: The linear algebra behind Google. Siam Review, 48(3), 569-581.
- Gura, E. -Y., & Maschler, M. (2008). Insights into game theory: An alternative mathematical experience. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [Chap. 3]
- Haigh, J. (2003). Taking chances: Winning with probability (New ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Chap.14]
- Lysyanskaya, A. (2008). How to keep secrets safe. Scientific American, 299(3), 88-95.
- Shermer, M. (2008). The doping dilemma. Scientific American, 298(4), 82-89. From http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=the-doping-dilemma
- Taylor, A. D., & Pacelli, A. M. (2008). Mathematics and politics: Strategy, voting, power and proof (2nd ed.). New York: Springer. [Chap. 1]
Course Co-ordinator and Teacher(s)
| Course Co-ordinator | Contact |
| Professor T.W. Ng Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science |
Tel: 3917 5631 Email: ntw@maths.hku.hk |
| Teacher(s) | Contact |
| Professor T.W. Ng Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science |
Tel: 3917 5631 Email: ntw@maths.hku.hk |
| Dr F.L. Tsang Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science |
Tel: 2859 2451 Email: f.l.tsang@hku.hk |