Overview
This course teaches quantitative literacy and numeracy skills in order to develop core competencies identified as essential for university and beyond. ISP130H5 enhances students’ ability and confidence to engage with quantitative information in a variety of contexts, by applying mathematical, statistical, and computational approaches to make informed decisions, to problem-solve, to effectively communicate and express quantitative information, and to create logical, evidence-based arguments. Rather than focusing on math specific skills, the course explores relevant concepts as they appear in diverse disciplines and authentic real-life situations, such as numbers and magnitude, patterns and relationships, financial literacy, health, probabilistic reasoning, chance and risk, and interpreting data presented in various forms.
Why Take ISP130?
- Develop confidence. We often feel self-doubt or anxiety when we think of engaging with numbers. This course is designed to combat that fear by providing opportunities to learn and practice so that you can reframe your relationship with numbers.
- Interactive experience. Each ISP130 section has a maximum enrolment of 30 students. The small-size class will provide students with the opportunity to work together and with their instructor in an engaging and supportive environment.
- A framework for understanding. Working collaboratively, students will investigate and explore numeracy from a wide range of sources (e.g., scholarly papers, news articles, websites, publicly available data) and will engage with numbers in a given context using simple and fun mathematical, statistical, and computation approaches. The goal is to create a framework of analyzing, understanding, and interpreting to make conclusions rather than simply memorizing concepts and ideas.
- Real-world application. Learn how to apply your newfound skills in practical and productive ways in your life and within your courses at UTM. By the end of ISP130, you will be able to express what numbers say in various ways through writing, by creating visuals, and by verbally communicating your ideas. You will be armed with an improved number sense, helping you as you journey through university, and beyond.
How do I enroll in ISP130?
Students from all disciplines interested in taking ISP130 will be able to enroll in the course through ACORN when course enrolment becomes available. You will find important information about how to enroll in courses on the Office of the Registrar website.
Questions?
Please direct your questions to isup.advisor@utoronto.ca.