International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume IX, Issue VIII, August 2022 | ISSN 2321–2705
Importance of Mathematics in Computer Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) Education
Francis Avevor
Advanced School of Data and System Studies, Accra Institute of Technology, Accra, Ghana
Abstract: Students with weak mathematics background are often overwhelmed by the many mathematics courses that they have to take during their undergraduate Computer Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) programmes; and tend to question the relevance of mathematics to their CSET studies. This paper examined the syllabuses of undergraduate CSET courses being offered in 10 Ghanaian universities and discussed the importance of relevant mathematics courses to them. Furthermore, it proffered recommendations to promote students’ academic success in CSET programmes.
Keywords: Mathematics, CSET education, logical reasoning, algorithm analysis, problem solving.
I. INTRODUCTION
Mathematics is a discipline that “develops the ability to reason precisely and analytically about formally defined abstract structures” [1] p.39; and it complements the learning, understanding and appreciation of many theoretical frameworks as well as foundational concepts and algorithms in CSET education [2]. Specifically, mathematics teaches critical thinking and reasoning, as well as analytical skills for data analysis and problem-solving; and its concepts are required in many CSET disciplines [3]. Thus, many universities have incorporated several mathematics courses in their curriculum for CSET education. Generally, students who have strong mathematics background do well in the CSET courses and professions; while those with weak mathematics background struggle to cope with the CSET courses and professions. This is because Mathematics is intrinsically tied to the study of CSET courses at various levels of education [4], [5].
II. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Undergraduate students in Computer Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) are often overwhelmed with the many mathematics courses they are required to do in the first four semesters of their studies. Some of them tend to question the relevance of the many mathematics courses they take. Students who have weak mathematics background typically have difficulty in understanding concepts in CSET courses such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, System Analysis and Design, Artificial Intelligence, and Network Security; and they tend to perform abysmally in these (and related) courses. This paper examined the importance of mathematics courses in undergraduate CSET education through a review of literature. The sole research question for this paper is: What is