Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Quantitative Reasoning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to analyze questions or problems that impact the community and/or environment using quantitative information.

General education philosophy statement

This course introduces and emphasizes several key values identified by the PCC Statement of General Education. In particular, FN 110:

Uses the socio-cultural model for the exploration of personal food habits and beliefs to further cultural diversity and understanding;

Connects students with their natural environment through the intrinsic properties of foods as products of our natural world;

Introduces concepts of basic science and sustainability by considering the general connection between food and the environment and personal health;

Contributes to technological prowess through computerized dietary analysis of personal dietary patterns

Emphasizes quantitative reasoning through introduction of the scientific method as part of assessing credible nutrition information;

Emphasizes qualitative reasoning through reflection on personal experiences and choices;

Utilizes a variety of assignments and discussions that engage students in discerning meaning from personal food-related experiences;

Introduces social concepts of food security, poverty and environmental systems as they relate to foods and nutrition;

Additionally, while perhaps not explicitly part of the general education philosophy, FN 110 offers a foundation critical to student success. Basic needs security are substantial priorities to support the equitable success of Portland Community College’s student body. While the college does not require foods & nutrition as a core course requirement for all students, the inclusion of FN 110 as a General Education course creates opportunities to address disparity head on. As a course intended for students early in their college journey, the knowledge and skills gained build resilience and improve chances to mitigate food insecurity that can improve opportunities for equitable student success.