Study information

Mathematics for Engineers - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEMathematics for Engineers CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG1201DA MODULE CONVENER George Humby (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 4 4 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 25
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Learning to think and express yourself in mathematical terms is an essential part of your becoming an engineer who is able to describe engineering processes and systems to solve problems. This module will help you develop the mathematical skills necessary to complete your engineering degree programme. In particular, there will be a strong emphasis on the direct application of mathematics to industrial engineering problems. Furthermore, you will learn to use programming (Python) as a means to model mathematical problems and implement computational solutions.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module will cover topics which are fundamental to engineers in their professional careers, focussing on the direct application of mathematics to industrial engineering problems. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles necessary to underpin your education in a number of engineering disciplines, and to enable you to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Furthermore, this module will improve your understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key engineering processes. It will also enhance your ability to identify, classify, and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques. Finally, it will increase your understanding and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 demonstrate skills in algebraic manipulation

2 recognise trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and hyperbolic functions, and solve equations involving these functions

3 use differentiation to solve maximum and minimum problems

4 use vector algebra to analyse problems involving lines and planes, apply the scalar (dot) product and vector (cross) product to vectors

5 demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of probability and hypothesis testing

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

6 use computer programming (Python) to solve a mathematical problem.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

7 apply mathematical principles to systematically analyse problems

8 extract the essential mathematics from real-world problems and to begin to be able to model such problems in familiar mathematical language

9 communicate mathematical concepts and processes coherently, both orally and in writing, using correct notation

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  • algebra and functions
  • vector algebra
  • differential calculus and applications
  • integration - introduction
  • statistics and regression
  • introduction to programming in Python (in all the above areas)
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 64 Guided Independent Study 18 Placement / Study Abroad 68
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 16 Laboratory (Coding)
Guided independent study 18 Lecture and assessment preparation, private study
Placement 68 Learning at work

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Tutorial Worksheets   C1, C2, C3 Informal feedback provided in tutorials
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam - closed book 60 2 hours C1, C2 Annotated Scripts
Coursework 1 - Python Course 5 1 x 3 hours C1, C3 Written + Oral
Coursework 2 - Communicating Mathematics  15 1 x 9 hours C1, C2 Annotated Scripts + Oral
Coursework 3 - Python Programming Challenge 20 1 x 12 hours C1, C2, C3 Written + Oral
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written exam - closed book Written Exam (60%) C1, C2 Referral/deferral period
Coursework 1 - Python Course Coursework 1 (Similar) (5%) C1, C3 Referral/deferral period
Coursework 2 - Communicating Mathematics  Coursework 2 (Similar) (15%) C1, C2 Referral/deferral period
Coursework 3 - Python Programming Challenge  Coursework 3 (Similar) (20%) C1, C2, C3 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 4/50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 4/50%.

 

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Stroud, K.A Engineering Mathematics 7th Palgrave Macmillan 2013 978-1-137-03120-4
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 6th March 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 27th November 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Differentiation; trigonometry; Python; vectors; statistics

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.