Skip to main content

Study information

Foundations - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEFoundations CREDIT VALUE0
MODULE CODEMTH1000 MODULE CONVENERDr Stephen McGuire (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 300
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

University level mathematics differs from that taught in schools not only in the difficulty of the topics and higher abstraction, but also in the style of teaching. This module aims to ease the transition to university level mathematics by bridging the gap between mathematics taught prior to university level, and the material covered in the first year of our mathematics degree, including the programming languages which will be taught in depth in other modules. The module eases you into a university teaching and learning environment and helps revise material from A-level. You will revisit essential skills in algebra, coordinate geometry, vectors, series and sequences, as well as some topics which are covered in Further Mathematics A-level such as complex numbers, matrix algebra, differential equations, and Maclaurin series. In this module, you will go over the theory and see many solved examples, as well as practice many examples to master these essential topics. Attending the lectures of this module is highly recommended to those students who do not have an A-level in Further Mathematics or equivalent, but those who do can also utilise these sessions to review the material and gain more practise experience. This module will also provide the skills needed to communicate mathematics which is a vital skill in all modules to be taken throughout a mathematics course.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to support the transition to year 1 undergraduate mathematics with elements of revision and self-study.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and  Knowledge:
1 manipulate algebraic and numerical expressions accurately and with confidence;
2 compute with vectors, matrices and complex numbers;
3 perform accurate calculus manipulations using a variety of standard techniques;
4 sketch the graphs of a variety of functions of one variable;
5 recognise and solve equations involving logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric and hyperbolic functions;
6 find the general term of a sequence or series.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
7 manipulate basic mathematical objects necessary in order to progress to successful studies in the mathematical sciences;
8 communicate mathematics effectively and clearly
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
9 formulate and solve problems and communicate reasoning and solutions effectively in writing; 9 use learning resources appropriately;
10 exhibit self management and time management skills.
11 understand the foundations of coding using MATLAB and R
12 communicate ideas and plans in a clear and concise way

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Functions: logarithmic; exponential; trigonometric; hyperbolic. Partial fractions; binomial theorem.
Basic vector arithmetic; coordinates in plane; basic matrix arithmetic. Complex numbers: definitions & arithmetic; representations.
Differentiation & integration. 
Graph sketching.
Sequences and series: sigma notation; recursion formula. 
Polar coordinates.
The basics of coding using MATLAB and R.
Notation and convention in mathematical statements.
Patterns of mathematical statements and how to convey them.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 84 Guided Independent Study 36 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Lectures 30 6 x 2-hour lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 12 Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 6 Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 66 Drop-in mathematics surgeries
Guided independent study 36 Self-study using online learning resources and quizzes

 

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
Online quizzes 6 x 1 hour All Electronic
Exercise sheets 6 x 3 hours All Tutor feedback

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
         

 

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-reassessment
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

This module is not formally assessed and is to support the transition to year 1 only.

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: Any A-level texts on mathematics and further mathematics

 

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

 

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set McGregor, C., Nimmo, J. & Stothers, W. Fundamentals of University Mathematics 2nd Horwood, Chichester 2000 000-1-898-56310-1
CREDIT VALUE 0 ECTS VALUE 0
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 12th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 12th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Partial fractions; binomial; calculus; differentiation; integration; complex numbers; vectors; matrices; series; sequences, coding basics, communicating mathematics.

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