Unit information: Introductory Mathematics in 2019/20

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	Mrs. Elizabeth Allen
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

Delivered through small class teaching; 2 x 2-hour seminars per week

Assessment Information

Assessment for learning/Formative Assessment

Regular problem sheets with feedback provided in seminars

Assessment of learning/Summative Learning

100% summative assessment by exam:

2.5 hour written exam (ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Reading and References

Recommended Reading

Many textbooks cover the material taught in this unit, for example:

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

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)