Module Details

Module Code: MATH6000
Title: Essential Mathematical Skills
Long Title: Essential Mathematical Skills
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2012/13 ( September 2012 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4610 - Mathematics
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is about numeracy and basic algebraic competence. Its aim is to ensure that the first-year student acquires proficiency across the spectrum of numerical and algebraic skills needed for the study of science and engineering subjects. Continuous assessment is based on the principle of no compromise on minimal standards for essential skills.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Perform all manner of arithmetical calculations including those of an elementary statistical nature.
LO2 Use the laws of indices and logarithms to solve related equations arising in applied problems.
LO3 Manipulate a wide variety of algebraic expressions, transpose formulae and employ function notation effectively.
LO4 Sketch graphs relating to quantities which are: in direct proportion and in inverse proportion; related linearly, exponentially or logarithmically.
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
The Fundamentals of Arithmetic with Applications
The arithmetic of fractions. Decimal notation and calculations. Instruction on how to use a calculator. Ratio and proportion. Percentages. Tax calculations, simple and compound interest. Mensuration to include problems involving basic trigonometry. Approximation, error estimation, absolute, relative and relative percentage error. The calculation of statistical measures of location and dispersion to include arithmetic mean, median, mode, range, quartiles and standard deviation.
Indices and Logarithms
Indices with a discussion of scientific notation and orders of magnitude. Conversion of units. Logarithms and their use in the solution of indicial (exponential) equations. Discussion of the number e and natural logarithms.
Basic Algebra
The laws of algebra expressed literally and illustrated both numerically and geometrically. Algebraic manipulation and simplification to include the factorisation of reducible quadratics. Transposition of formulae. Function notation with particular emphasis on functions of one variable.
Graphs
Graphs of quantities which are in direction proportion and indirect proportion. Graphs of simple linear, exponential and logarithmic functions. Reduction of non-linear relations to linear form to allow for the estimation of parameters.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%
Special Regulation
The pass mark for this module is 60%. All questions in each assessment to be answered.

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
On the first portion of the indicative content described under heading one up to and including problems on mensuration.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
On the second portion of the indicative content described under heading one to include approximation/error analysis and calculations of a statistical nature.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
A general coverage of scientific notation, orders of magnitude and applied problems requiring a thorough knowledge of indices and logarithms for their solution.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Algebraic manipulation and simplification, transposition of formulae and effective use of function notation.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Plotting and analysis of graphs relating to quantities which
are: in direct proportion and in inverse proportion; related
linearly, exponentially or logarithmically.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.

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 Exposition of theory with illustrative concrete examples Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Student problem solving under guidance of class tutor Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of lecture material and exercise sheets Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John Bird. (2010), Basic Engineering Mathematics, Fourth. Elsevier Science Ltd, England, p.372, [ISBN: 978 1856176972].
  • Stroud, K.A.; Booth, Dexter J.. (2009), Foundation Mathematics, Palgrave MacMillan, England, p.752, [ISBN: 9780230579071].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Alicia Sevilla & Kay Somers. (2007), Quantitative Reasoning: Tools for Today's Informed Citizen, First. Key College Publishing, USA, p.613, [ISBN: 878-1-931914-90-1].
  • COMAP. (2002), For All Practical Purposes: Mathematical Literacy in Today's World, Sixth. COMAP, USA, [ISBN: 978-0716738176].
  • James F. Burkhart. (1999), Quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills, Second. Kendall/Hunt Publishing, USA, p.179, [ISBN: 978-0787263782].
  • Donald Pierce, Don Pierce & Edward B. Wright. (1997), Mathematics for Life: A Foundation Course for Quantitative Literacy, Preliminary. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 978-0134938592].
  • Paul Monk and Lindsey J. Munro. Maths for chemistry, [ISBN: 978-0-19-954129-4].
  • Frank H. Stephenson. Calculations for molecular biology and biotechnology, [ISBN: 978-0-12-375690-9].
  • Applying maths in the chemical and biomolecular sciences: an example-based approach, [ISBN: 978-0-19-923091-4].
  • Ehud Lamm, Ron Unger,. Biological Computation, [ISBN: 978-1-4200-8795-6].
  • Philip R. Bevington, D. Keith Robinson. Data reduction and error analysis for the physical sciences, [ISBN: 978-0-07-119926-1].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EFDMO_6 Certificate in Food Manufacturing Operations 1 Mandatory
CR_SGMPR_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology 1 Mandatory
CR_SOMNI_7 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 1 Mandatory
CR_SOMNI_8 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 1 Mandatory