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ISL 197 - Analytical Thinking and Mathematics

Faculty of Business and Management Sciences · Business Administration · Undergraduate

ECTS: 3 T+P+L: 2+0+0 Compulsory
Coordinator: Arş. Gör. Yaren Ayşe ALTUN
Instructors: Dr. Öğr. Gör. Ayşenur Büşra ÇAKAY

Course Objective

This course aims to equip first-year university students with the foundational skills in Analytical Thinking and Mathematical Reasoning. It focuses on developing critical analysis, logical reasoning, and effective problem-solving skills in different areas of mathematics. Students learn to construct and evaluate arguments, communicate complex ideas clearly, and apply systematic approaches to address abstract and practical challenges. This comprehensive foundation prepares students for subsequent academic studies and develops the skills necessary for lifelong learning and success in many disciplines.

Course Content

This course introduces students to the foundations of mathematical reasoning, drawing attention to the definition of analytical thinking and its relationship with numerical thinking. Following an understanding of propositional logic, mathematical logic, and proof methods, the course will focus on fundamental mathematical expressions such as solving equations, exponential and radical expressions, and mathematical solutions to real-life problems. In addition, functions and graphical solutions—critical for connecting different mathematical concepts—the concept of maximum and minimum in quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and basic limit and derivative knowledge will be provided. Students who take this course will apply logical reasoning to solve numerical problems, discover the convenience mathematics provides in real-life situations, and learn to think analytically with the help of mathematics. The curriculum aims to develop problem-solving abilities, sharpen analytical skills, and enhance clarity in mathematical communication, serving as an important bridge to subsequent mathematical studies.

Required Resources

1. Thomas' calculus: early transcendentals. Thomas, G. B., Weir, M. D., Hass.

2. İşletme ve İktisat İçin Matematiksel Yöntemler Dowling, E. T.

3. Applied Calculus for Business, Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences. Raymond,A., Ziegler, M.R., Byleen, K.E. (1997). 

Explanations

Assessment/Evaluation: Midterm 40%, Final 60%

Core Area Distribution

(34) Business and Administration%20 (46) Mathematics and Statistics%80

Teaching Methods

ExpressionQuestion-AnswerDiscussionGuided PracticeProblem Solving

Assessment & Evaluation

Testing (Essay / Tests: True-Falls, multiple-choice, short answer, matching)

ECTS / Workload

ActivityQuantityDuration (h)Total Workload
Course Duration (Including Exam Week)16232
Out of Class Study Period16232
Midterm111
Quiz000
Assignment000
Practice000
Final111

Course Schedule

WeekSubjectPreparation
1The Relationship Between Analytical Thinking and MathematicsThe Relationship Between Analytical Thinking and Mathematics
2Number Sets and Their PropertiesNumber Sets and Their Properties
3Exponents, Polynomials, and FactoringExponents, Polynomials, and Factoring
4Fractions, Radical NumbersFractions, Radical Numbers
5First-Degree Equations and GraphsEquations, the Cartesian Coordinate System, Linear Equations and Their Graphs
6Applications of Linear Equations in Business and EconomicsApplications of Linear Equations in Business and Economics
7FunctionsFunctions
8Midterm examMidterm exam
9Second-Degree EquationsSecond-Degree Equations
10Graphing of Equations and InequalitiesGraphing of Equations and Inequalities
11Supply and Demand Equations and Market EquilibriumSupply and Demand Equations and Market Equilibrium
12Exponential and Logarithmic FunctionsExponential and Logarithmic Functions
13LimitLimit
14DerivativeDerivative
15General reviewGeneral review
16Final examFinal exam