In the first half of the module the following topics are introduced/revised and then investigated with the use of a computer algebra package:
Symbolic differentiation and application to root finding and curve fitting (splines).
Symbolic and numerical integration (including its summation form for discrete functions).
Matrices: Application to curve fitting and transformations
Vectors: scalar and vector products.
Applications to 2 and 3 D geometric modelling: line-line intersection, line-plane intersection.

The second half of the module will utilise some of the advanced spreadsheet functions and features available to aid modelling/analysis/decision making for quantity based problems. Those met will include amongst others: a range of functions to aid modelling, lookup functions for value selection, array formulae for criteria based analysis, customising worksheet interfaces, solver for problem optimisation, sensitivity analysis using scenarios and data tables, and pivot tables for cross tabulations.
Students will also be introduced to VBA macros together with some basic tools of programming enabling the automation of processes within a spreadsheet. Principles met will include: recording macros, editing macros, use of message boxes and input boxes to allow interaction with the user, if statements, for each and do loops, an introduction to forms, and the development of personalised functions.

1. 50% assignment comprising 25% mathematical software based assignment and 25% test assessing Learning Outcomes 1 – 3.

2. 50% test comprising two one-hour 15 minute tests assessing Learning Outcomes 4 - 6. Test 2 requires the prior preparation working in a group of a spreadsheet model for use in the test.

The test is the final assessment point.

A level maths or equivalent and a basic knowledge of spreadsheets including experience of formulae formulation, charts and built-in functions such as SUM, AVERAGE.

MAPLE

A Guide to MAPLE, Ernie Kamerich, Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG (1999), ISBN: 0-387-94116-9.
Getting Started with MAPLE, C. K. Cheung, et. al., John Wiley (2009), ISBN: 978-0470-45554-8
Foundation Mathematics, K. A. Stroud and D. J. Booth, Palgrave Macmillan (2009), ISBN: 978-0-230-57907-1
Excel 2010 Bible, John Walkenbach, Wiley, May 2010, ISBN: 978-0470474877

The material will be introduced over 78 hours. In Semester 1, this will usually be delivered as 1 lecture and 1 tutorial, along with 2 practicals per week for the first 6 weeks and then 1 practical per week for the rest of semester 1. These extra practicals are to support the learning of a new package. In Semester 2, students will experience 24 hours of computer based in-class practical sessions (2 hours per week). There will be a further 12 hour of class contact (1 hour per week) with the whole group some weeks of a lecture and other weeks of additional practical time.
Independent study time will be spent completing the worksheets, further practising the methods met in class, and preparing for assessments.