Foundation Mathematics

Module title	Foundation Mathematics
Module code	INT0007
Academic year	2018/9
Credits	20
Module staff	Joaquin Navarrete Navarro (Lecturer)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	12

Number students taking module (anticipated)	200

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

Knowledge of mathematics underpins most disciplines, especially engineering and business studies. In this module you will learn how to describe, understand and represent situations both graphically and algebraically and draw conclusions from these. You will learn how to manipulate and solve different types of equations to find unknown values, how to make decisions and how to find the best decision from a set of different possibilities. You will spend time in the centre’s multi-media room, using our new computing facilities, learning computing techniques to apply to various situations and using on-line learning material.
This is not a course for beginners:- students taking this course should already have good knowledge of mathematics which will be checked at the beginning of the course.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide a foundation in mathematics for students who intend to follow a degree programme in the area of Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology or other related disciplines. Students will be expected to manage their time successfully in order to complete a series of coursework and other tasks.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Demonstrate an understanding of standard mathematical notation and techniques
2. Use mathematical methods to solve simple problems requiring the use of algebraic formulae
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of the calculus
4. Apply mathematics to a wide range of real life problems
5. Demonstrate understanding of basic mathematical principles

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

6. Use mathematical software confidently, where relevant, to investigate solutions to mathematical problems
7. Use the results of calculations to make predictions and give answers to appropriate accuracy

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. Analyse, interpret and illustrate data using a variety of techniques including graphical presentations
9. Communicate effectively in the written form

Syllabus plan

Familiarity with the terms: natural number, integer, rational number, irrational number, real number, fractions, modulus. Decimal places and significant figures. Scientific notation.
Linear Programming.
Coordinate Geometry in two dimensions. The equation of a straight line. Gradient of the line joining two given points. Parallel lines. Perpendicular lines.
The exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs. Laws of logarithms. Use of logarithms to solve a^x = b and to transform a given relationship to linear form so determining unknown constants from gradient and intercept. Use of Excel to draw these functions.
Sequences and series. S notation. Arithmetic progression. Geometric progression. Compound Interest.
Differentiation. Introduction. Notations: dy/dxandf¢(x). Differentiation as rate of change, gradients of curves. Differentiation of xⁿ, tangents and normals to the curve, maximum and minimum values.
Integration as the reverse process of differentiation. Indefinite and definite integration of standard functions. Application of integration to finding plane areas.
Numerical determination of integrals using the trapezium rule.
Numerical solution of equations. Location of roots of f(x)=0 by considering change of sign and simple iterative methods. Use of spreadsheets (Excel) to determine solution of equations.
Statistics. Representation of data; histograms, cumulative frequency curves, box plots. Measures of location; mean, median and mode, moving averages. Measures of dispersion; variance, standard deviation, range and interquartile range. Scatter diagrams. Trend lines. Using Excel to represent data.
Probability. The concept of a random event and its probability. Venn diagrams and tree diagrams. Addition Law. Mutually exclusive events. Multiplication law and conditional probability. Independent events.
Normal Distribution.

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
60	140	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities	60	Small group lessons, including lectures, examples, practice and use of computing techniques.
Guided Independent Learning	140	Study of written notes, practise examples, using resources supplied on ELE and other on-line learning material.

Assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
20	80	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Coursework assignments	20	15 hours	1-8	On-line feedback immediately after submission.
Mid-Term Examination	20	1.5 hours	1-5, 7-9	Verbal feedback in class tutorial
Final Examination	60	2 hours	1-9	Written feedback on formal submission

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Examination and Coursework	One Examination	1-9	Notified at commencement of module.

Re-assessment notes

The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%. Re-assessment, which is only available if all coursework has been completed, will not include coursework marks or mid-term exam marks. Resubmission of coursework is impractical since coursework answers are made available to students at the close of original submission.

Deferred exams will not be capped and will include all summative coursework and examination marks in the final module grade.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Hanrahan, V., Mathews, J., Porkess, R. & Secker, P. (2004). MEI AS Pure Mathematics C1 and C2: MEI Structured Mathematics (3rd Ed.). London: Hodder Murray.

Eccles, A., Francis, B., Graham, A.,& Porkess, R. (2004). MEI Statistics 1: MEI Structured Mathematics (3rd Ed.). London: Hodder Murray.

Berry, C., Hanrahan, V., Porkess, R., Secker, P.(2004). MEI A2 Pure Mathematics C3 and C4: MEI Structured Mathematics (3rd Ed.). London: Hodder Murray.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1925

Module has an active ELE page

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Pledger, K., Attwood, G., MacPherson, A., Moran, B., Petran, J. & Wilkins, D. (2004). Core Mathematics 1: Heinemann Modular Mathematics. Oxford: Heinemann Educational.
Pledger, K., Attwood, G., MacPherson, A., Moran, B., Petran, J., Staley, G. & Wilkins, D. (2004). Core Mathematics 2: Heinemann Modular Mathematics. Oxford: Heinemann Educational.
Attwood, G., Dyer, G. & Skipworth, G. (1994). Statistics 1: Heinemann Modular Mathematics. Oxford: Heinemann Educational.

Key words search

Mathematics, Foundation Mathematics,

Credit value	20
Module ECTS	10
NQF level (module)	3
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	1/9/2007
Last revision date	20/08/2017