Module Details

Module Code: MATH6060
Title: Maths for Physical Sciences
Long Title: Maths for Physical Sciences
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4610 - Mathematics
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: An introduction to fundamental mathematical calculations and problem solving aimed at consolidating and developing student competence in the mathematical techniques which are central to the Physical Sciences.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Perform a range of arithmetical calculations necessary for laboratory work in the Physical Sciences.
LO2 Manipulate a wide variety of algebraic expressions, transpose formulae, solve linear and quadratic equations and solve systems of simultaneous equations.
LO3 Use the laws of indices and logarithms to solve related equations arising in applied problems.
LO4 Sketch graphs relating to quantities which are: in direct proportion and in inverse proportion; related linearly, exponentially or logarithmically.
LO5 Reduce equations to linear form and determine parameters from appropriate graphs.
LO6 Sketch sinusoidal waveforms and identify their salient characteristics.
LO7 Perform basic algebraic manipulation of complex numbers and know how to represent them in polar, rectangular and exponential forms.
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
Rounding to significant figures. Scientific and Engineering notation. SI units, prefixes, conversion of units including imperial and metric. Ratio and proportion with examples from the Physical Sciences. Application to molarity and concentration. Approximation, error estimation: absolute, relative and percentage error.
Basic Algebra
Algebraic manipulation, transposition and simplification of formulae relevant to the Physical Sciences. Solution of linear and quadratic equations. Simultaneous equations with two or three variables.
Indices and Logarithms
The laws of indices. Logarithms and their use in the solution of indicial (exponential) equations. Discussion of the number e and natural logarithms.
Functions and Graphs
Function notation with particular emphasis on functions of one variable. Independent variable, dependent variable. Graphs of quantities which are in direct proportion and indirect proportion. Graphs of linear functions and quadratic functions. Exponential growth and exponential decay. Reduction of non-linear relations to linear form to allow for the estimation of parameters.
Trigonometry.
Angle measurement in degrees and radians. Trigonometric ratios and the unit circle. Pythagoras theorem. Solution of simple trigonometric equations. Graphing sine and cosine waveforms. Characteristics of a waveform: amplitude, period, frequency and phase.
Complex numbers
Rectangular, polar and exponential forms.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
In class test
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 4,5,6
Assessment Description
In class test
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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 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
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Exposition of theory with illustrative concrete examples Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Student problem solving under guidance of class tutor Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of lecture material and exercise sheets Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John Bird. (2017), Basic Engineering Mathematics, 7th Edition, Routledge, [ISBN: 978-113867370].
  • 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].
  • Applying maths in the chemical and biomolecular sciences: an example-based approach, [ISBN: 978-0-19-923091-4].
  • 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_SCHQA_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance 1 Mandatory
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 1 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 1 Mandatory
CR_SCHEM_7 Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 1 Mandatory
CR_SCHEM_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Chemistry 1 Mandatory