LETTER: Roger Bacon, a scientist of the 13th century, stated: "Neglect of mathematics works as an injury to all knowledge, since he who is ignorant of it can't know other sciences or things of the world."
Present and future learning requires basic mathematical skills and knowledge to interpret a result and draw a conclusion. When medical-sciences research is done to develop new treatments for medical conditions, knowing the amount of medication administered is critical when evaluating the effect of the treatment, just as knowing exactly how much of what chemicals went into creating the medication.
Mathematics is applied to agriculture, ecology, epidemiology, tumour and cardiac modelling, DNA sequencing and gene technology, as well as engineering. Mathematics has a claim to an inherently different status from most other disciplines. It is used to manufacture medical devices and diagnostics.
As amounts are adjusted and outcomes assessed, the mathematical data created may be used to extrapolate further possible treatment procedures or doses. Mathematics whose subject matter is special constructs quantitative relationships of the real world.
We get further satisfaction when we are able to interpret the results of research work which can't be put in words. This is possible only with mathematical sense in a certain area of research work. This concept is good for young learners and teachers. In this context, there are some topics like analytical geometry, algebra, statistics and calculus which are easy to learn with minimum effort.
Much of the mathematical demand stems directly from the need for mathematical and statistical modelling of phenomena. Such modelling is basic to all engineering, plays a vital role in all physical sciences and contributes significantly to the biological sciences, business studies and medicine. Mathematics has been in the development of science and technology in the current century.
The fields of semiconductor technology, biotechnology, medical instrumentation systems and digital image processing all are based on mathematical concepts. The physical appearance and development of infrastructure is crucial in a society for the construction of roads, buildings, stadiums, flyovers, airports, dams, bridges and vehicles.
The following are the recommendations to revive the interest among children to learn mathematics at high school level so that they will have a challenging career individually and, in turn, boost the country as well.
At the outset, we should thank and appreciate the steps initiated by the Education Ministry in implementing the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subject package, as well as the arts and humanities package. In all clusters, mathematics secured a place as a core.
Even though Additional Mathematics is mentioned as an elective, I suggest and recommend the younger generation to choose it for a better future. Parents should encourage their children to do so since the top 10 highest-earning college degrees all require one thing in common — mathematical skills.
Universities should offer scholarships to attract more students to learn higher level mathematics so that they become teachers for the next generation. Hence, it is an invaluable asset for the country.
Besides, universities are socially responsible for upgrading existing mathematics-teaching community as well. Let us join together in creating students who can tackle the challenges ahead.
RAMAN RAGURAMAN
Deputy dean
Engineering and Computer Technology Faculty
AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times