MSP1038 : Introductory Algebra
MSP1038 : Introductory Algebra
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Professor Tamara Rogers
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
A-level Maths OR equivalent
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To understand the essential concepts of algebra relevant for the physical science, including complex numbers, vectors and matrices.
Outline Of Syllabus
Complex Numbers
- Arithmetic
- The complex plane
- Polar form
- Euler's formula
- de Moivre's theorem
Roots of unity
Vectors
- Sums
- Products (scalar, vector, triple)
- Orthogonality
- Equations of lines and planes
Linear Algebra
- Matrix addition
- Multiplication and inversion
- Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
- Diagonalization
- Determinants
- Cramers rule
- Gaussian elimination
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the module, students understand complex numbers and vector and matrix methods in algebra and geometry.
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- Perform arithmetic manipulations with complex numbers in real-imaginary, modulus-argument and exponential form.
- Apply Euler's formula and de Moivre's theorem to determine powers, roots and derive trigonometric identities.
- Complete scalar, vector and triple products of vectors, and formulate equations for lines and planes.
- Perform basic matrix operations including addition, multiplication, inversion, finding eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization and the compute determinants.
- Use matrices to solve systems of linear equations and describe geometrical transformations.
Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom's taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 25 | 1:00 | 25:00 | Completion of in-course assignments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Revision Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formal Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 53 | 1:00 | 53:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review, examination revision |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts, to higher-order thinking.
Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 80 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of the learning outcomes.
Examination problems may require a synthesis of concepts and strategies from different sections, while they may have more than one way for solution. The examination time allows the students to test different strategies, work out examples and gather evidence for deciding on an effective strategy, while carefully articulating their ideas and explicitly citing the theory that they are using.
The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem-solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MSP1038's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MSP1038's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.