2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

NATS1380 Introductory Mathematics for Natural Scientists

5 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Marcelo Miranda
Email: m.miranda@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2020/21

This module is mutually exclusive with

CHEM1181	Mathematics for Chemists
CHEM1281	Mathematical Tools for Chemists

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is intended for students of Natural Sciences who did not develop their mathematical skills significantly beyond GCSE level; its goal is to equip students with the basic mathematical skills necessary to gain a full understanding of Natural Sciences. It will progress from arithmetic to algebra and calculus, with emphasis on problem solving and with extensive use of scientific examples. The teaching methods will include lectures and problem-solving workshops.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should have gained confidence and proficiency in a set of mathematical manipulations appropriate to the study of Natural Sciences and be able to apply these to relevant problems.

Learning outcomes
1. The students will gain knowledge in the application of mathematics to solve problems relating to Natural Sciences.
2. The students will acquire the mathematical background necessary for further study of uses of mathematics in Natural Sciences.
3. The students will develop an understanding of mathematical principles and an appreciation of mathematics as a logical and coherent subject.
4. The students acquire a range of mathematical skills, and become able to apply mathematics also in the context of everyday situations.
5. The students will develop the ability to analyse problems logically and, when appropriate, to tackle problems mathematically.

Syllabus

Aspects of arithmetic, algebra, differentiation, and integration, with wide application in Natural Sciences. Specific relevant applications of mathematics in Natural Sciences.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	6	1.00	6.00
Lecture	6	1.00	6.00
Private study hours			38.00
Total Contact hours			12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			50.00

Private study

Much of the private study time will consist of problem solving. Students will be provided with lists of practice problems in the classroom and will be advised to attempt problems from the books in the reading list. Some but not all of the exercises in the lists of practice problems will be attempted in the problem-solving workshops. As usual, private study will also involve revision of class materials, lecture notes, and textbook reading. The assessment will take the form of online tests, which can be taken multiple times, and therefore will double as practice exercises.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In problem-solving workshops students will have the opportunity to discuss their work, along with technical issues and problem-solving approaches, directly with staff. As online tests will be available for multiple attempts, with problems being indicated as correctly or wrongly answered each time, this will also help students assess their own development, strengths, and weaknesses.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Computer Exercise	Two online tests that can be taken throughout semester 1 and 2 until the pass mark is reached. Can be attempted multiple times. New questions will be provided for each attempt.	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

No set exam, assessment via online tests throughout the course that can be taken multiple times throughout semesters 1 and 2 until the pass mark is reached.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 07/08/2020 18:22:57

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