2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0190 Mathematical and Analytical Methods for Science

35 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Gary Dickinson
Email: g.dickinson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is mutually exclusive with

LLLC0188	Discrete Mathematics and Calculus
LLLC0189	Discrete Mathematics for Chemists

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module aims to increase your confidence in learning and applying mathematics in theoretical and scientific contexts. You will learn basic methods of manipulation of algebra, data, shape & space and statistics and will develop your skills in applying these concepts within science and on your undergraduate degree in the biological and earth/environmental sciences and healthcare programmes.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to enable students to increase their confidence in using mathematics both in a theoretical and functional manner, and to develop their learning practice in mathematics. It aims to develop students' understanding, skills and techniques of basic mathematics to a level at which they can confidently and independently apply these concepts within a scientific context.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Explore and manipulate and basic maths concepts including, but not limited to, algebra, shape and space, calculus and statistics
2. Present mathematical ideas and concepts using precise mathematical language in various forms
3. Perform calculations and solve problems in abstract mathematical and real world scenarios.
4. Use mathematical data to substantiate or infer outcomes within a practical and scientific context.
5. Develop a learning practice which is modelled on continual assessment, formative and summative, across the modules and reflection on feedback in order to feedforward and inform future learning

Skills outcomes
Select and apply appropriate mathematical methods to solve abstract and real-world problems.
Show confidence in manipulating mathematical expressions, setting up and solving equations and constructing simple proofs.

Syllabus

The content will be delivered through lectures and workshops and will cover topics including, but not limited to:
- Revision of basic arithmetic, algebra and equations.
- Volume and surface area of 3D shapes
- Manipulation of surds, logarithms and exponentials.
- Solving equations
-Trigonometry: Pythagoras' theorem; Sin, Cos, Tan and their graphs.
- Co-ordinate geometry of the straight line and quadratic curves; gradients, lengths and perpendicularity;
- Statistics: measures of location, spread; representing data, probability

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Group learning	40	1.00	40.00
Lecture	40	2.00	80.00
Independent online learning hours			40.00
Private study hours			190.00
Total Contact hours			120.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			350.00

Private study

Independent on-line learning:
Using VLE resources 20
Weekly quizzes / using online resources 20

Private study:
Reading 25
Working example problems 45
Preparing coursework 60
Revision for examinations 60

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In the first semester coursework will be predominately summative to encourage student engagement with the academic content and with the practice of independent study. In the second semester this scaffolding is removed and the focus shifts to more formative assessment to further develop the appropriate skills as independent learners to support undergraduate study.
General feedback on assignment performance will be posted on Minerva, while individual feedback will also be provided upon marking of assignments. Students will also participate in self and peer review across the foundation year.
Weekly / online resources; reflection with exam wrapper activities (formative); problem sets and coursework.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Written Work	6 x 2 hour problem sets	15.00
In-course Assessment	40 monute in course exam	5.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Due to the developmental and pedagogical nature of some assessments and timings, there is not a viable opportunity to provide a resit for the following: Science mid-terms in the first semester; laboratory sessions provided by external departments, or after a coursework deadline has passed and the model answers have been shared. Students who miss any of these learning opportunities can apply for mitigating circumstances and potentially could be given consideration at the exam board.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Unseen exam	2 hr	20.00
Unseen exam	2 hr	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Resits for the exam component of the module will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt during the July Resit period, in most cases, or during the next available opportunity.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/05/2020

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