Unit information: Introductory Mathematics in 2020/21

Unit name	Introductory Mathematics
Unit code	LANG00036
Credit points	20
Level of study	QCA-3
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Andersen
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	IELTS minimum 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5 in writing and 4.5 in all other components or equivalent Students should have the appropriate qualifications in Mathematics at the equivalent of QCA level 2
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Centre for Academic Language and Development
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides a first course in core mathematics including calculus to a level equivalent to QCA level 3. It will prepare students on foundation and preliminary year programmes for entry or progression into higher level qualifications in the physical, life and biomedical sciences or quantitative social sciences. It is suitable for students who have not taken any mathematics qualifications beyond the equivalent of QCA level 2.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the unit students should be able to:

1. perform basic algebraic manipulations
2. sum arithmetic and geometric series
3. solve linear, simultaneous linear, and quadratic equations
4. use numerical methods to find areas under curves, etc.
5. use trigonometry
6. differentiate and integrate simple functions and know the physical meaning of the derivative and integral.

Teaching Information

Students will attend 5 hours of study per week. Learning is facilitated in sessions involving a combination of teacher-led input, combined with practical, workshop-style exercises. On-line delivery of materials through Blackboard VLE.

Assessment Information

Formative Assessment:

• Regular problem sheets, with feedback provided during weekly seminars

Summative Assessment:

• Written examination (30%) ILOs 1, 3, 5
• Written examination (70%) ILOs 2, 4, 6

Reading and References

Recommended Reading

Maths: A Student's Survival Guide: A Self-help Workbook for Science and Engineering Students, Jenny Olive (Cambridge University Press 2003)

Further Reading

You may also find the following books helpful:

• Help yourself to algebra, Hugh Neill (Longman 1996)
• New Head Start to A-Level Maths (CGP A-Level Maths 2017-2018)

Understanding Pure Mathematics, A.J. Sadler and D.W.S. Thorning (Oxford University Press 1995)