Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

A-level mathematics or equivalent

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To lay the foundations of calculus and differential equations for more advanced mathematical study. Students will compute derivatives and integrals using standard techniques. They will learn to solve simple first and second order ordinary differential equations.

Module Summary
Virtually every branch of mathematics, statistics, and physics can be developed only from a firm mathematical and conceptual foundation. These skills form the toolkit required for further study. A clear understanding and appreciation of many fundamental topics is required, primarily, those of algebra and calculus. This module concentrates on developing further the techniques of calculus the students have already seen as part of an A-level or equivalent qualification. The techniques developed in calculus are useful when constructing mathematical models of phenomena in the real world. Many such models are formulated in terms of ordinary differential equations, and this module introduces the methods that are needed to solve problems of this type.

Outline Of Syllabus

- Definition of derivatives and derivatives of elementary functions from first principles.
- Continuity and differentiability.
- Product, quotient and chain rules
- Implicit differentiation
- Review of inverse of a function, standard examples and derivatives of inverses
- Hyperbolic and trigonometric functions and derivatives
- Maclaurin and Taylor series
- Problems of convergence of power series and series in general
- Integral as area under a curve, and as the limit of series
- Statement of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
- Integration by parts, by substitution.
- Standard integrals
- Integration by reduction.
- First-order ODEs: separable equations, homogeneous equations, integrating factor, variation of parameter.
- Second-order ODEs: homogeneous equations with constant coefficients, particular integrals for inhomogeneous equations, method of reduction of order, variation of parameters.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will become familiar with calculus as applied to elementary functions. They will gain an understanding of the foundations of differentiation and integration. Students will learn how to formulate and interpret simple problems in terms of ODEs, and solve them analytically.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be able to find derivatives and integrate elementary functions. The students will develop skills required to solve ODEs of various types and to verify their solutions.

Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom’s taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.

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. Problem Classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of material in this module. The format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes. The assurance of academic integrity forms a necessary part of the programme accreditation.

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 they are using.

The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practice the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; all of these assessments have a secondary purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.

General Notes

N/A