Module Details

Module Code: MATH6052
Title: Maths for the Green Industry
Long Title: Maths for the Green Industry
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4610 - Mathematics
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: A first course in Mathematics and Statistics for Agriculture and Horticulture.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Solve problems involving basic arithmetic and algebra relating to agricultural applications.
LO2 Evaluate and transpose formulae relevant to the agribusiness context.
LO3 Draw and interpret linear graphs relating to agricultural applications.
LO4 Use trigonometry and mensuration to solve practical problems in agricultural science.
LO5 Apply the methods of descriptive statistics to organise, summarise, present and analyse data.
LO6 Solve, using appropriate software, mathematics and statistics problems in the agricultural context.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Why Mathematics? Why Statistics?
Discussion of the relevance and importance of Mathematics and Statistics in agriculture using real-life examples.
Arithmetic
Manipulating numbers. The arithmetic of fractions. Decimal notation and calculations. Instruction on how to use a calculator. Ratio and proportion. Percentages. Approximation, error estimation, absolute, relative and relative percentage error. Laws of indices with simple applications. Scientific notation. Units and conversions.
Algebra
Formulation and solution of linear equations. Straight-line graphs. Linear simultaneous equations. Transposition and evaluation of formulae.
Business Mathematics
Simple interest, compound interest, depreciation, APR, annuities, sinking funds. Income tax. Simple index numbers, chain index numbers. Inflation.
Area and Mensuration
Practical problems on area and volume. Simpson's rule.
Trigonometry
Pythagoras Theorem. Trigonometric ratios, ratio of sides, sine and cosine rules.
Descriptive Statistics
Data collection, organisation, and analysis. Primary and secondary data. Qualitative and quantitative data. Ordinal and non-ordinal data. Frequency Tables and Distributions. Visualisation - bar charts, stem and leaf, histograms, ogives.
Summary Statistics
Measures of central tendency - mean, mode, median. Measures of spread - range, interquartile range, standard deviation. Skewness.
Laboratory programme
Use of appropriate mathematical and statistical software to illustrate and consolidate the theory and applications covered in lectures.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Mathematics/Statistics laboratory test
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Series of short in-class tests based on homework.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-module formal examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Mathematics/Statistics Laboratory Every Second Week 0.50 1
Tutorial Contact Problem-solving, tutorial sheets Every Second Week 0.50 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture material, completion of tutorial sheets, laboratory practice Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Based on tutorial sheets Every Second Week 0.50 1
Lab Contact Mathematics/Statistics Laboratory Every Second Week 0.50 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture material, completion of exercise sheets, laboratory practice Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Michael L. Agnew, Nancy H. Agnew, Nick E. Christians, and Ann Marie VanDerZanden. (2008), Mathematics for the Green Industry, Wiley, Hoboken, New Jersey, [ISBN: 978-0-470-136].
  • G.Currell and A.Dowman. (2009), Essential Mathematics and Statistics for Science, 2nd. Wiley, [ISBN: 978-047069448].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • G.Burton,G.Carrol & S.Wall. (2002), Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics, 2nd. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 0-273-65570-1].
  • S.Taylor. (2007), Business Statistics for Non-Mathematicians, 2nd. Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 9780230206854].
  • C.Ireland. (2010), Experimental statistics for agriculture & horticulture, CABI, [ISBN: 9781845935375].
  • Nina H.Mitchell. (2012), Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, 2nd. Cengage, [ISBN: 9781111310660].
  • K.A. Stroud with Dexter J. Booth. (2009), Essential Mathematics for Science & Technology, Industrial Press, New York, [ISBN: 978-08311339].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 2 Mandatory
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 2 Mandatory
CR_BAGRI_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Agriculture 2 Mandatory