Module Descriptors
INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICS
XXAT30328
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 3
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 108
Independent Study Hours: 192
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- CLASS-TEST weighted at 50%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Texts
A Refresher in Basic Mathematics, 3rd Edition, Rowe R, Continuum 2000 ISBN 0-8264-5829-7
Module Resources
A Scientific calculator
Module Additional Assessment Details
Two summative assessments
Assessment 1 on all 4 outcomes (a series of in-class tests) 50% in semester 1 and 2
Assessment 2 on all 4 outcomes (a two-part unseen written examination, first part at the end of semester 1 and second part at the end of semester 2) 50%
Assessment 1 on all 4 outcomes (a series of in-class tests) 50% in semester 1 and 2
Assessment 2 on all 4 outcomes (a two-part unseen written examination, first part at the end of semester 1 and second part at the end of semester 2) 50%
Module Learning Strategies
Lectures in groups plus individual support. Textbooks and flexible learning materials will be available for all students together with the possible use of reference books. The core material will be delivered in the contact time with the opportunity to gain confidence and competence through practice on carefully graded exercises. Independent learning time will be based around reading, typically text book examples, assignment work, and revision for examination. You will also be expected to attempt further exercises in your own time.
Module Indicative Content
Numeracy - Use of electronic calculator, work with integers, fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios. Power and roots, scientific notation. Accuracy: significant figures and decimal places, maximum possible error of a calculation. Binary, octal and hexadecimal systems: manual conversion and use of number system facilities on electronic calculators.
Financial arithmetic - Compound interest, APR and net present value.
Algebra - Simplification and evaluation of algebraic expressions. Manipulation and solution of equations, solution of quadratic equations including the use of the quadratic formula. Use of algebra to express relationships, proportional variation, independent and dependent variables. Computer software support.
Co-ordinate Geometry - Use of Cartesian co-ordinates, distance between points, the slope of a line joining two points, dividing a line in a given ratio. The equation of a straight line. Solution of simultaneous equations graphically and algebraically. Graphical solution of polynomial functions.
Set theory - Use of the universal set, the empty set, set membership, union, intersection and complement of sets. Solution to problems using Venn diagrams. Number set members restricted to integers, rationals and reals.
Functions - Concept of a function, domain and range. Many-to-one and one-to-one functions, composite and inverse functions. Exponential and logarithmic functions.
Probability - Concept of probability, sample spaces, addition law for mutually exclusive events, multiplication law for independent events. Tree diagrams.
Descriptive Statistics - Graphical presentation of data; pie charts, histograms and cumulative frequency diagrams. Measures of central tendency; mean, mode and median for individual and grouped data. Measures of dispersion: range, variance and standard deviation. Use of statistical facilities on electronic calculators and spreadsheets.
Financial arithmetic - Compound interest, APR and net present value.
Algebra - Simplification and evaluation of algebraic expressions. Manipulation and solution of equations, solution of quadratic equations including the use of the quadratic formula. Use of algebra to express relationships, proportional variation, independent and dependent variables. Computer software support.
Co-ordinate Geometry - Use of Cartesian co-ordinates, distance between points, the slope of a line joining two points, dividing a line in a given ratio. The equation of a straight line. Solution of simultaneous equations graphically and algebraically. Graphical solution of polynomial functions.
Set theory - Use of the universal set, the empty set, set membership, union, intersection and complement of sets. Solution to problems using Venn diagrams. Number set members restricted to integers, rationals and reals.
Functions - Concept of a function, domain and range. Many-to-one and one-to-one functions, composite and inverse functions. Exponential and logarithmic functions.
Probability - Concept of probability, sample spaces, addition law for mutually exclusive events, multiplication law for independent events. Tree diagrams.
Descriptive Statistics - Graphical presentation of data; pie charts, histograms and cumulative frequency diagrams. Measures of central tendency; mean, mode and median for individual and grouped data. Measures of dispersion: range, variance and standard deviation. Use of statistical facilities on electronic calculators and spreadsheets.