Working Group 16: Preparation for University Engineering and
Science Courses (G. Bluman, P. Loewen, M. Tingley, R. Willard) -
GEORGE BLUMAN, PHILIP LOEWEN, MAUREEN TINGLEY AND ROSS WILLARD,
UBC, UBC, UNB Fredericton, University of Waterloo Preparation
for University Engineering and Science Courses - Essential
Topics Which, if any, of the following topics are essential?
What depth of coverage is needed? When should essential topics
be taught? - Algebra: factoring, simplifying and manipulating
rational functions; factor theorem, remainder theorem, etc. -
Functions and their properties (without calculator): linear,
quadratic, polynomial, trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential.
- Geometry and trigonometry. - Data analysis. - Vectors and
matrices. - Limiting processes: sequences, series, limits,
fractals. - Derivatives, integrals. - Thinking Skills -
Perseverance: problems that take time, persistence and several
attempts to solve. - Estimation/reflection/intuition: spotting
obvious nonsense in a draft solution; w