Abstract

This work is oriented to identify the level of previous knowledge in mathematics that students entering the professional career of computer engineering, belonging to the Universidad Santo Tomás in Bogotá (Colombia) should have. Methodologically, a descriptive exploratory research was carried out, in which the first phase investigated the areas in basic mathematics required for engineers, identifying the topics in arithmetic, algebra, mathematical reasoning, and geometry; in the second phase, an ad-hoc instrument was elaborated, composed of twenty-six questions; later it was verified in terms of reliability and validity, applying statistical techniques and expert judgment; then this instrument was applied to the population under study. Thus, the results showed that there are mathematical difficulties, which constitute an opportunity for improvement in the formulation of a leveling program to initiate higher studies in engineering programs.