Module overview
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace.
One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH3082
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Work more effectively with self-study material
- Perform calculations in simple situations and work through some longer examples
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic differential and integral calculus, complex numbers, vectors and matrices, statistics and differential equations, and be familiar with partial differentiation and some more advanced techniques of calculus
- Critically analyse and solve some mathematical problems
- Demonstrate organisational and time-management skills
- Show logical thinking in problem solving
Syllabus
A-Level Revision
Algebra: simplification of expressions and functions; indices; linear and quadratic equations; simultaneous linear equations; inequalities; partial fractions.
Trigonometry: solution of triangles; multiple angle formulae; trigonometric equations.
The following topics are studied and tested over two semesters:
1. Differentiation: basic rules; differentiation of standard functions; Newton's method for finding roots; partial differentiation.
2. Integration: definition of integral; standard integrals; substitution; integration by parts; numerical integration.
3. Complex numbers: graphical representation; algebra; polar form; Euler's formula and exponential form.
4. Differential equations : classification; simple first and second order differential equations.
5. Functions: inverse; trigonometric; exponential, logarithmic and hyperbolic.
6. Differentiation: maxima, minima and points of inflection; curve sketching; parametric, implicit and logarithmic differentiation; Taylor and Maclaurin series.
7. Integration: substitution; applications to centroids, volumes of revolution, etc.
8. Integration: rational functions; improper integrals.
9. Integration: double integrals; polar coordinates; triple integrals.
10. Differential equations: solution of first order ODEs (separable, homogenous, linear and exact).
11. Differential equations: linear operators; linear inhomogeneous second order ODEs; free and forced oscillators.
12. Vectors: basic properties; Cartesian components, scalar and vector products.
13. Vectors: triple products; differentiation and integration of vectors; vector equations of lines and planes.
14. Matrix algebra: terminology; addition, subtraction and multiplication of matrices; determinants.
15. Matrix algebra: inverse of a matrix using cofactors; systems of linear equations; inverse of a matrix using the elimination method.
16. Matrix algebra: rank; eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
17. Further calculus: chain rule for partial derivatives; higher partial derivatives; total differentials and small errors.
18. Complex numbers: trigonometric and hyperbolic functions; logarithm of a complex number; De Moivre's theorem; roots; simple loci in the complex plane.
19. Statistics: probability; conditional probability; combinations and permutations; discrete and continuous random variables.
20. Statistics: mean and standard error of sample data; normal distribution; sampling; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Self-study notes for each topic.
- Examples and specimen test in each set of self-study notes, with solutions, for self-assessment.
- Test at end of each topic is marked one-to-one with immediate feedback, at the rate of about two tests in three weeks.
- Twice weekly timetabled workshops available.
- Past examination papers and solutions.
Learning activities include
- Individual study of identified sections in course textbook.
- Working through examples and specimen test for each topic in the set of self-study notes, with solutions provided.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 149 |
| Teaching | 1 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
K A Stroud (2007). Engineering Mathematics. Palgrave.
Glyn James (2015). Modern Engineering Mathematics. Pearson.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
- The end of module examination is structured into two parts. The first part contains 20 multiple choice questions which test basic knowledge of all topics and whether simple calculations can be performed successfully. The second part consists of longer questions which test the depth of understanding of topics on the syllabus and the ability to carry out longer pieces of work.
- The general skills elements are not explicitly assessed, but their development will reflect on the quality of the overall outcomes.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Class Test | 5% |
| Coursework | 20% |
| Written exam | 75% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External