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MATH1551: Maths for Engineers & Scientists

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Type	Open
Level	1
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

Normally, A level Mathematics at grade A or better, or equivalent.

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

Calculus (Maths Hons) (MATH1081), Calculus I (MATH1061), Linear Algebra I (Maths Hons) (MATH1091), Linear Algebra I (MATH1071), Single Mathematics A (MATH1561), Single Mathematics B (MATH1571), COMP1021 (Mathematics for Computer Science) may not be taken with or after this module.

Aims

This module is designed to supply mathematics relevant to students of Engineering and other sciences.

Content

Introductory review.
Complex numbers.
Differentiation.
Vectors.
Partial differentiation.
Integration.
Linear algebra.
Ordinary differential equations.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

By the end of the module students will: be able to solve a range of predictable or less predictable problems for Engineers and Scientists.
have an awareness of the basic concepts of theoretical mathematics in these areas.
have a broad knowledge and basic understanding of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas:
Elementary functions.
Calculus.
Complex numbers.
Vectors.
Partial differentiation.
Linear algebra.
Ordinary differential equations.

Subject-specific Skills:

Key Skills:

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

Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and theapplication of the theory to practical examples.
Tutorials provide the practice and support in applying the methods to relevant situations as well as active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
Weekly written or electronic assignments (some summative and some formative) provide an incentive for students to consolidate the learning of material as the module progresses (there are no higher level modules in the department of Mathematical Sciences which build on this module). It serves as a guide in the correct development of students' knowledge and skills, as well as an aid in developing their awareness of standards required.
The end-of-year written examination provides a substantial complementary assessment of the achievement of the student.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	60	3 per week in weeks 1-10, 11-14, 16-20, 21	1 Hour	60
Tutorials	9	Fortnightly in weeks 3-9, 14-20, and one in week 21	1 Hour	9	Yes
Revision Classes	2	In induction week, and in week 1	2 Hours	4
Preparation and Reading				127
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 70%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
On Campus Written Examination	2 hours	100

Component: Continuous Assessment		Component Weighting: 30%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Assignment		100

Formative Assessment

Formative assignments in some weeks plus a 40 minute collection paper at the beginning of Epiphany term.

More information

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