Bridging Mathematics and Computer Science Through Threshold Concepts

Amin Farjudian*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Contribution: Using threshold concepts as the framework for curriculum design, a project on neural network methods for solving differential equations is presented, with a rich set of transformative concepts from mathematics and computer science. Projects of this kind complement a typical curriculum with expertise that is crucial for critique and fundamental development of modern machine learning.

Background: The curricula of many schools of mathematics and computer science present a relatively shallow introduction to the other subject. Student projects, on the other hand, provide an effective environment for interdisciplinary research between the two disciplines.

Intended Outcomes: Providing students from computer science and mathematics the opportunity to obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the other subject, beyond the confines of the school curriculum.

Application Design: The project contains tasks that require acquisition, not just of knowledge, but also of effective strategies and mental models, relevant to a set of transformative concepts from both disciplines. The tasks require a spectrum of activities, ranging from rigorous theoretical work to coding.

Findings: Although the theory of threshold concepts needs further development, the existing paradigms provide a helpful framework for curriculum design. The continuous formative assessment proved effective in monitoring the participants' journeys through the liminal state.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)139-145
Number of pages7
JournalIEEE Transactions on Education
Volume66
Issue number2
Early online date1 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 1963-2012 IEEE.

Keywords

  • Differential equation
  • mathematical foundations of computer science
  • neural network
  • summer project
  • threshold concept

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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