vcc.ca
CSTP 1150: Applied Mathematics for Programmers
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Computer Systems Tech Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Students learn the mathematical foundation for technical and programming courses. It covers linear equations, polynomials, periodic, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Students learn to solve linear equations and create graphs for functions. They learn how to represent multi-dimensional data using vectors and matrices, lines, planes and hyperplanes. The course also introduces calculus, probability and statistics which are essential for understanding machine learning (ML) algorithms. Finally, the course also teaches basic logic and reasoning, as well as binary data representation in computers.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Solve linear equations and graph polynomials, periodic, logarithmic, and exponential functions
- Draw and interpret graphs of various function types
- Explain computer binary data representations for integer and floating-point numbers, and for symbols and characters
- Explain basic logic and reasoning using Boolean algebra
- Use vectors and matrices to represent multi-dimensional data
- Understand how lines, planes and hyperplanes represent data
- Apply fundamental concepts of calculus to analyze and solve problems
- Use probability and statistics to analyze data
- Apply mathematical concepts to solve real-life and technology-related problems
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Assessment methods include interview, exam and demos.
Students will receive an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed) which is not included in grade GPA calculations.
International Students should contact the VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
Students will receive an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed) which is not included in grade GPA calculations.
International Students should contact the VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer labs and hands-on practical work, and online sessions.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
50 |
assignments |
|
Midterm Exam |
25 |
|
|
Final Exam |
25 |
|
Course topics
- Solving and graphing linear equations
- Concepts of polynomials, periodic, logarithmic and exponential functions
- Create graphs for polynomials, periodic, logarithmic and exponential functions
- Represent multi-dimensional data using lines, planes and hyperplanes
- Computer data representation for integers, characters and floating-point numbers
- Basic calculus and their applications
- Probability, statistics and their applications
- Mathematics, machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence
- Binary numbers addition and overflow, subtraction and underflow and 2's complement
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.