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Quantitative Literacy

Quantitative Literacy represents the ability to understand and effectively communicate in the language of numerical data, patterns, and structures. Whether in the form of election polls, weather forecasting, projections of economic growth, or trends in household income, a large proportion of the information that we receive every day has an underlying quantitative nature. To distinguish between solid facts and fake news, fluency in this language is required. One needs to understand its rules, its uses, and the logic behind it as well as possess the ability to recognize inappropriate or flawed uses. The Quantitative Literacy requirement provides students with the tools necessary to achieve this objective, in a way that is compatible with their field of interest. Students who successfully fulfill this requirement will be able to demonstrate that they possess the numerical and mathematical skills needed to develop solid ideas and reach valid conclusions.

Students fulfill the Quantitative Literacy requirement by successfully completing two mathematics courses (6 credits):

Requirements List

MAT 181Math for Everybody

3
MAT 182Statistics For Everybody

3

Incoming students will take a math placement test with two components: one for mathematics and one for statistics.

The mathematics component will have three possible outcomes:

  • MAT 100 level. These students must take MAT 100, and MAT 100 must be taken prior to enrolling in any other math course. MAT 100 does not fulfill the Quantitative Literacy requirement.
  • MAT 181 level. These students can enroll directly in MAT 181
  • Above MAT 181 level. These students don’t need to take MAT 181 to complete their Quantitative Literacy requirement, and can enroll  in MAT 200 (Calculus) if desired or if required by their major.

The statistics component will have two possible outcomes:

  • MAT 182 level. These students can enroll directly in MAT 182
  • Above MAT 182 level. These students don’t need to take MAT 182 to complete their Quantitative Literacy requirement

Notes:

  1. MAT 181 and MAT 182 are not a sequence and can be taken in whichever order is preferred.
  2. Students pursuing a major that requires MAT 200 must still successfully complete it.
  3. Students placing “above MAT 181” but not “above MAT 182” will need to complete MAT 182 to fulfil their Quantitative Literacy requirement.
  4. Students placing “above MAT 182” but not “above MAT 181” will need to complete MAT 181 to fulfil their Quantitative Literacy requirement.
  5. Students placing “above MAT 181” and “above MAT 182” will need to take one quantitative course at FUS to fulfill the Quantitative Literacy requirements.
  6. If a student enrolls at FUS with transfer credit for College Algebra or Calculus (or other equivalents) MAT 181 is not required. In such cases the Quantitative Literacy requirements can be fulfilled with MAT 182 alone.
  7. If a student enrolls at FUS with transfer credit for Statistics (or other equivalents) MAT 182 is not required. In such cases the Quantitative Literacy requirements can be fulfilled with MAT 181 alone.
  8. If a student enrolls at FUS with transfer credit for both College Algebra or Calculus (or other equivalents) and for Statistics (or other equivalents), they have fulfilled the Quantitative Literacy requirements.
  9. Students with documented dyscalculia should refer to the associated dyscalculia policy.