3.7 Course Overviews: "M"
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MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (MGSC)
Statistics for Business and Economics I
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
or
ViTAL Electronic Classroom
This course is the first in a sequence of two courses in business statistics. The course introduces the use of descriptive and inferential statistical tools to support managerial decision making. The course provides an optional hands-on experience in using a computerized statistical analysis software package.
Precluded course: MGSC 301 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for MATH 215.
Statistics for Business and Economics II
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
or
ViTAL Electronic Classroom
This course is the second course in business statistics following MGSC 301. The course covers a variety of statistical techniques and illustrates how they can be applied to support business decision making. The course provides an optional hands-on experience in using a computerized statistical analysis software package.
Prerequisite: MGSC 301 or MATH 215.
Introduction to Production and Operations Management
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course provides an introduction to the functional area of
production and operations management as practised in manufacturing industries.
Prerequisite: MGSC 301 or MATH 215. Students should be comfortable with basic algebra.
Service Operations Management
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
or
ViTAL Electronic Classroom
MGSC 369 focuses on the behavioural and quantitative skills managers need to operate service organizations. The course provides a variety of tools that can be used for decision making regarding service facility location, internal layout, capacity planning, quality control, inventory management, process planning, forecasting demand, etc. The course provides numerous examples and real-life case studies from a variety of service organizations such as medical clinics, supermarkets, schools, public transportation, police services, accounting and legal services, restaurants, hotels, government services, hospitals, fire houses, etc.
Prerequisite: MGSC 301 or MATH 215.
Special instructional features: This course is available via electronic delivery by personal computer using ViTAL.
Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This is an introductory course in Management Science/Operations Research. The course focuses on the application of scientific methodologies and information technologies to the managerial decision-making process. Special emphasis is placed on analysis of the problem, the decision environment, the objectives of the organization,
and the use of the computer for decision making.
Prerequisite: MGSC 301 or MATH 215.
Precluded course: MGSC 405 may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for MGSC 395.
Applied Projects in Management Science
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course is intended to allow a student to pursue in depth a special topic of interest in management science. The applied project can take the form of case study, literature survey, field study of an existing organization, or implementing one of the management science techniques at an existing organization. Applied project format is not necessarily limited to one of the above. Students interested in other related areas or subjects are welcome to contact the course professor. Students wishing to enrol in this course should contact the course professor to discuss their areas of interest.
Prerequisite: permission of the course professor and completion of one of the following: MGSC 368, MGSC 369 or MGSC 395, MGSC 405 or MGSC 312.
MARKETING (MKTG)
Introduction to Marketing
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
Marketing can be defined as ‘‘giving the people what they want, and making a profit doing it.’’ This course explores all aspects of marketing, with a particular emphasis on the consumer - the ‘‘people’’ component of the definition.
Precluded courses: MKTG 396 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for ADMN 256 or MKTG 398.
Special instructional features: This course is available via electronic delivery by personal computer using ViTAL.
Consumer Behaviour
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
In Consumer Behaviour, students will learn how consumers make purchase decisions and what strategies marketers use to sell their products.
Prerequisite: an introductory course in marketing.
International Marketing and Exporting
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This is a senior-level course that will familiarize students with the complexities and challenges of marketing goods and services in a global context. It focuses attention on the impact of culture on the development of an international marketing strategy at the micro or firm level.
Prerequisite: an introductory course in marketing.
Marketing Strategy
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
Developing a marketing strategy involves a comprehensive analysis of a firm’s customers, products, competitors, markets, resources, and technology. Students will examine the various components involved in developing marketing strategies in times of rapid economic and technological change.
Prerequisite: an introductory course in marketing.
MATHEMATICS (MATH)
Developmental Mathematics
Zero credit - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic mathematical skills needed to understand, analyse and solve mathematical problems encountered in courses taken at the university level. There are no prerequisites for Math 100, however, students are expected to be able to perform basic arithmetic operations with ease: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and have some familiarity with fractions and algebraic operations.
Note: Students who have not taken any mathematics for some time or who feel that their basic skills might be weak should consider taking MATH 100. This zero-credit course will help build the skills required for university level mathematics. Students wanting a review for credit should take MATH 244.
If you feel uncertain which course to choose, consult the course coordinator.
Introduction to Statistics
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course gives students a working knowledge and understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics and how statistics is applied in the sciences, social sciences, and business.
The course content examines the following:
- Descriptive statistics - nature of statistical data; organization and presentation of data - frequency distributions, stem-and-leaf display, histograms and line charts; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion
- Probability - probability of single events, probability of mutually exclusive events, joint probability, conditional probability, counting rules
- Probability distributions - probability distributions; binomial, and normal distributions; standard normal distributions; normal approximations to binomial distribution
- Estimation - sampling techniques, sampling distributions of means, confidence interval for means and proportions
- Hypothesis testing - null hypothesis and alternate hypothesis, hypothesis testing for population means and difference of population means, hypothesis testing for proportions, t distributions and small sample hypothesis testing; ?2 distribution, F distributions and analysis of variance
- Bivariate analysis - correlation coefficient, rank-order correlation, linear regression analysis.
Prerequisite: none. Students need fundamental mathematical skills, chiefly the ability to do algebra.
Precluded course: MATH 215 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for MGSC 301.
Computer-Oriented Approach to Statistics
3 - Science
Available for a September 1999 start date
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course uses a modern statistics package to enhance the understanding of introductory statistical analysis. In addition to knowledge of the basic techniques used in statistics, students will learn how these techniques are applied to real data and how to solve real problems using a computer. Some evaluation will be based on computerized exercises. A textbook is also used but this course will most benefit those somewhat comfortable using computers. The subject matter is very similar to that of MATH 215, which is a course based only on print materials.
Prerequisite: none. Students should have a fundamental understanding of mathematics and basic modern computer skills.
Precluded course: MATH 216 may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for MGSC 301 and MATH 215.
Special instructional features: Students will need to make extensive use of a Window-based PC-compatible computer. These are available at Athabasca University’s learning centres but will be needed to the point that a home computer is desirable.
Business Mathematics
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
Business Mathematics is an introduction to the mathematics of business and finance. The course gives a basic knowledge of algebraic and statistical methods and focuses on their application in day-to-day accounting and managerial problems. Students without high school Math 20 or equivalent may experience difficulty with the course. The course examines the following:
- Fundamentals of algebra - field properties, linear equations in one unknown, laws of exponents
- Equations - factorization, linear equations in two unknowns, simultaneous linear equations in
three unknowns
- Graphical methods, progressions, binomial theorem - equation of a straight line; graphical solutions
of equations and inequalities; arithmetic progression, geometric progression; binomial expansion
- Set theory, probability - elements and sets, finite and infinite sets; equality and inequality of sets; universal set, complement of a set, disjoint sets, union and intersection
of sets, Venn diagrams
- Vectors, matrices, determinants - vectors, vector algebra, matrices, matrix algebra, determinants, system of
linear equations
- Descriptive statistics - classification of statistical data; graphical presentation of data; frequency distribution and histograms; mean, median, and mode; standard deviation
- Simple interest - ratio, proportion, and per cent; simple interest and discounts; application of simple interest to cash discounts, promissory notes and bank discounts, savings, and demand loans
- Compound interest, annuities - compound interest and compound amount, present value, equivalent values, amount of an annuity, present value of an annuity, periodic payments, annuities due, deferred annuities, perpetuities
- Investment decision making - bonds and bond values,
serial bonds, amortization, sinking funds and perpetuities, investment decision making.
Introduction to Calculus I
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This is an introductory calculus course. Topics covered include real numbers, functions, continuity and limits, derivatives, curve sketching, optimization
and extremals, applications of the derivative, anti-derivatives, integrals, and areas.
Prerequisite: none. Math 30 or other pre-calculus course is recommended. Students should have a deep understanding of basic algebra.
Precluded course: MATH 265 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for MATH 212.
Introduction to Calculus II
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course is a continuation of MATH 265. Topics covered include definite and indefinite integrals, special functions (logrithmic and exponentials, as well as trigonometric and hyperbolic), techniques of integration, area and volume integrals, arc length, infinite series, convergence of series, power series, and Taylor’s formula.
Students who registered in MATH 265 do not receive the textbook again.
Prerequisite: MATH 265.
Precluded course: MATH 266 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for MATH 212.
Linear Algebra I
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
MATH 270 is suggested for Science and Administrative Studies programs. Topics covered include systems of linear equations, matrices, vectors in two and three dimensions, linear vector spaces, and applications of linear algebra including the simplex method.
Linear Algebra II
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
Linear Algebra II continues the study of linear algebra from MATH 270. Topics covered include applications of linear algebra; n-dimensional vector spaces; the Gram-Schmidt process; orthogonal bases; change of basis; linear transformations; geometry of linear transformations;
nullity and kernal of a linear transformation; similarity;
eigen values and eigen vectors; diagonalization; orthogonal diagonalization; and symmetric matrices.
Prerequisite: MATH 270.
Discrete Mathematics
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course provides an introduction to discrete mathematics. Topics covered include set theory; counting; logic and
formal reasoning (propositional and predicate calculus); functions and relations, automata theory and formal languages, graphs and trees, Boolean algebra; and aspects
of combinatorial analysis.
Prerequisite: MATH 209 or MATH 270. (If MATH 270 is used as prerequisite, MATH 271 is recommended but not required.)
Ordinary Differential Equations
Reading - 3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course examines the theories, methods, and techniques of solving first and second order differential equations and their applications in various fields.
Prerequisite: MATH 265 and MATH 266.
Mathematics Projects
3 each - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
Mathematics Projects is based on a contracted study arrangement between the student and an approved
supervisor. Students improve their skills to choose and
define problems, obtain information from libraries or experiments, organize facts and ideas, and report ideas
and conclusions in written form.
This course is for students who wish to carry out projects
in mathematics or to obtain formal recognition of mathematics-related skills and training they have received
on the job. A student may do one 3-credit project (MATH 495) or two 3-credit projects (MATH 495 and MATH 496). Registration may take place any time during the year.
Before registering, the student must submit an acceptable project proposal. These courses are excluded from the challenge for credit policy.
Prerequisite: permission from the course professor and
at least 12 credits (at least 3 at senior level) in the topic area.
Special instructional features: The course may involve
library, field, or lab work as agreed to by the student and the supervisor. Students are expected to obtain and pay for all materials used in the projects. Further information and a project proposal form may be obtained from the course professor.
MUSIC (MUSI)
(See also HUMN 285, HUMN 286, HUMN 421, and HUMN 423.)
Sound and Sense: Listening to Music
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Audio Component
This course is an introductory course in music appreciation for non-musicians. Its general objective is to enhance the student’s aesthetic perception of music. MUSI 267 examines music of all types in order to identify and explain universal features such as the organization of rhythm and pitch. Specifically, it will help students to begin an exploration of music of all cultures and historical periods; to become aware of the common features of all music; to acquire a basic music vocabulary; to identify a number of pieces aurally; and to write descriptively, analytically, and comparatively about music. As the subtitle of the course implies, the emphasis is upon listening. The work for each unit includes extended periods of listening to recordings as well as reading. Although any prior knowledge of music will be useful, this course is designed so that a student without a previous musical background can be successful in it. For example, although musical notation is explained, it is used only as a graphical aid to listening. It is not necessary to be able to read music in order to complete the course.
Precluded course: MUSI 267 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for HUMN 269. This course and MUSI 268 replace HUMN 269.
Special instructional features: Audiocassettes are provided in the course materials package.
Classical Music: An Introduction
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Audio Component
+
Video Component
This course is an introductory course for non-musicians. In contrast to MUSI 267, MUSI 268 adopts an historical approach to the study of music, and examines chronologically the Western European tradition from the early Middle Ages to the mid-twentieth century. The course includes units on Medieval and Renaissance music, the baroque era, the classical era, the romantic era, and music in the early twentieth century.
The design of the course places an emphasis upon listening. The work for each unit includes extensive listening to recordings as well as reading. Although any prior knowledge of music will be useful, this course is designed so that a student without a previous musical background can be successful in it. It is not necessary to be able to read music in order to complete the course.
Prerequisite: none. MUSI 267 is recommended.
Precluded course: MUSI 268 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for HUMN 269. This course replaces the second half of HUMN 269.
Special instructional features: Audiocassettes are provided in the course materials package. A television series, ‘‘Music
in Time,’’ is available on videotape from Athabasca University Library.
In the event of a discrepancy between the informal web site version and the printed 1999-2000 Calendar, the latter alone is to be regarded as the authoritative and legally binding source.
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