Mathematics in the Modern World

Bulacan State University
San Rafael Campus

This page contains lecture notes, examples, exercises, and supplementary material for Mathematics in the Modern World, prepared primarily for the BS Biology students whom I teach. This version of MMW combines mathematical appreciation with more calculation and reasoning than students may expect from a general-education course. It may feel challenging at times, but the work is intended to stretch students rather than overwhelm them. This emphasis follows the broad scope of Mathematics in the Modern World described in CHED Memorandum Order No. 20, series of 2013, while adapting the material to the needs of biology students.

The course has two aims. The first is to develop practical mathematical literacy—including financial literacy—that students can use in everyday life. The second is to introduce a little of several areas of mathematics in preparation for more advanced quantitative courses. Contrary to popular opinion, there is a great deal of mathematics in biology, so examples are drawn whenever possible from biology, ecology, health, and data analysis.

Biological and medical research is highly interdisciplinary. Students are not expected to master every field, but knowing something about different mathematical and computational approaches helps them recognise what a problem calls for—and whom they might ask to collaborate with, whether a statistician, mathematical modeller, computer scientist, or another specialist.

I think of this as a challenging but enjoyable course. Mathematics makes it possible to define terms clearly, state assumptions, and follow conclusions step by step. Its reputation, unfamiliar notation, or an earlier bad experience can make it appear less approachable than it is. Like any demanding subject, it becomes more manageable through careful study, practice, and learning from mistakes.

Logistics

Course title: Mathematics in the Modern World
Course number: MMW 101
Term: First Semester, A.Y. 2026–2027
Instructor’s name: Rey Joseph Nieto
Email: rj (at) rjnieto (dot) com (for questions or inquiries related to the course)

Class schedules, rooms, assessment dates, consultation arrangements, and course updates are communicated through official class channels.

Printable lecture notes

The current version of the complete lecture notes is available as a PDF.

Open the MMW 101 lecture notes

Current version: 22 August 2026

Course policies

Please refer to the approved course syllabus and applicable university guidelines for policies on attendance, assessment, classroom conduct, academic integrity, and related matters. Course-specific arrangements and updates will be communicated through official class channels.