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FOUD0059: Mathematics 2

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 0
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Foundation Year (Durham)

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Mathematics 1, Mathematics 3

Aims

  • Programme Aims:
  • Foundation students have 3 or 4 core components to their programme, depending on route. The CMT modules are designed to introduce students to concepts, methods and theories within the students chosen discipline, and provide a lens through which students engage with knowledge and knowledge creation in their chosen discipline. Meanwhile the Scholarship in Higher Education (SHE) module provides the tool-kit for their engagement and communication of knowledge; whereas the Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education module provides an iterative experience of bringing toolkit and lens together to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in the process of knowledge generation and communication by completing a research project within the students chosen discipline. All students apart from Arts & Humanities also have a maths component.
  • This module contributes to the overall aims of the Foundation Programme, which are aligned to FHEQ level four descriptors. By the end of the programme, students will have demonstrated
  • knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study
  • an ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study.
  • evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work
  • communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments
  • undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment.
  • the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.
  • Module Aims:
  • To introduce a range of foundational mathematics skills focussing on operating with numbers and algebra (relevant to business and science progression routes).
  • To introduce skills to solve mathematical problems in real life contexts.
  • To introduce the ability to communicate workings successfully.

Content

  • Numerical and algebraic operations and problem solving.
  • Graphs, functions (including logarithm and exponential) and applications
  • Sequences and series
  • Introduction to calculus

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module students will have demonstrated the knowledge of:
  • 1. a range of foundational mathematical concepts and notations
  • 2. relevant methods for calculations and solving equation
  • 3. a range of subject specific vocabulary

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By the end of the module students will have demonstrated that they can:
  • 1. use a range of relevant mathematical concepts in response to specific assessment tasks and mathematics problems
  • 2. use relevant mathematics methods in response to specific assessment tasks and mathematics problems
  • 3. use a range of relevant vocabulary in response to specific assessment tasks

Key Skills:

  • By the end of the module students will have demonstrated that they can:
  • 1. roduce clear and effective presentations of work

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module will be delivered using seminars on a weekly basis. Students will be taught mathematics concepts and skills, and then challenged to apply them in a variety of contextual tasks that are designed to lead to achieving the module outcomes. The teaching allows for an interactive teaching/learning style which will encompass some lecture-style presentations by the teacher. These are supported by reference materials, such as introductory videos, module handbooks, handouts or notes posted on the VLE. Weekly tutorials are used to orient learning, support individual student needs, and to consolidate learning. Tutorials focus on problem-based exercises in small groups or individually.
  • Summative Assessment: Assessments within this module are designed to provide opportunities to engage in an iterative process to develop students epistemological maturity, self-regulation, and academic report writing and academic communication skills.
  • There are two types of assessment in this module. Continuous Assessment has a function of monitoring students progress in the module. The Tests primary function is to allow students to demonstrate mastering the skills of selecting and applying appropriate mathematics knowledge and techniques in solving mathematics problems. The secondary focus is on the key skills of academic communication under timed conditions (as they are likely to experience in their subsequent years of study). The Test is a three-hour test, however, the number of questions is written to allow students to complete them within two hours. This lessens the time constraint, hence reduces maths and test anxiety.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Seminars*10Weekly 2x2 hours40 
Workshops 10Weekly 1 hour 10 
Preparation, Reading, Orientation Task100 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: TestComponent Weighting: 70%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Test3 hours 100Yes
Component: Continuous AssessmentComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignments 1, 2, 3 and 4 4 x 250 word equivalent written assignments (mathematical problems) 100Yes

Formative Assessment

A range of formative tasks including class practice and weekly assignments are used to help students work towards module outcomes and to iteratively build competency towards each respective summative assessment. Continuous Assessments have also a formative effect since the students receive continuous feedback throughout the term. This enables the students to work towards module outcomes and build competency towards the final summative assessment.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

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Current Students: Please contact your department.