SFY0018 : Foundation Mathematics
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr John Appleby
- Lecturer: Dr Nicola Hewett
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To revise and develop mastery of the basic elements of elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
To provide an introduction to standard functions; differential and integral calculus, including fundamental ideas and standard methods with some simple applications; basic knowledge of complex numbers and series.
Outline Of Syllabus
Basic algebra notation and manipulation; formulae, equations and graphs; equations of the straight line and circle; simple trigonometry.
Gradient of line and curve; differentiation from first principles; standard derivatives and simple applications; rules of differentiation (product rule, quotient rule, chain rule); higher derivatives, maxima and minima, curve sketching.
Functions. Domain and range; composite functions, standard functions (exponential, logarithmic, harmonic) and their graphs; inverse functions; derivatives.
Integration of areas; trapezium rule; indefinite and definite integrals; methods of integration (substitution, by parts, partial fractions).
Complex numbers: algebra; quadratic and cubic equations; modulus-argument form.
Finite arithmetic series; finite and infinite geometric series; binomial expansion.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | In person lectures/tutorials. Exposition, motivation and Q&A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 60 | 0:30 | 30:00 | Viewing video lectures. Additional exposition/reinforcement |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Testing - written exams and CBA tests. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Preparation before starting. All new stage 0 & 1 in Engineering |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 130:00 | 130:00 | Private study - exercises (some CBA). Practice and self-testing |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Private study - use of notes. Understanding 'lectures'. |
| Total | 300:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Pre-sessional preparatory material will be made available to all new Stage 1 and Stage 0 students, consisting of videos, PDF resources, links, and on-line computer-based testing, encouraging students to revise material not studied for several months and to identify and address gaps or lack of fluency. Pre-recorded videos will be used in conjunction with ‘printed’ material and live lectures to introduce each topic and worked examples. Tutorials time (integrated with lectures) will be used in addition for motivation and to develop the tutor/student relationship. Computer-based exercises and tests will help students to check and improve their skills. Exercise sheets are for practice of methods and reinforcement of understanding and applications.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 30 | Synoptic assessment of whole semester, ability to write logically. |
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | Synoptic assessment of whole module. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 10 | Essential to maintain progress in a hierarchical subject, taken within 24-hour window. 2 short CBA Tests. |
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | 10 | Essential to maintain progress in a hierarchical subject, taken within 24-hour window. 2 short CBA Tests. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
To encourage regular study and reflection in this hierarchical subject (with competing pressures of Engineering coursework), regular computer-based (CBA) tests will be set on questions already practised to achieve mastery of methods and skills. Written (invigilated) exams at the end of each semester will ensure retention and ability in writing mathematics systematically.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SFY0018's Timetable