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2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0189 Discrete Mathematics for Chemists

30 creditsClass Size: 12

Module manager: Dr Katy Dobson
Email: k.l.dobson@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2021/22

This module is mutually exclusive with

LLLC0190Mathematical and Analytical Methods for Science

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module aims to develop your understanding of fundamental mathematical techniques required for progression onto a degree programme aligned to Chemistry.

Objectives

During this module students will be introduced to core concepts and techniques in mathematics. They will gain experience and confidence using these techniques and learn how mathematics is applied in Science.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Explore and manipulate a variety of basic mathematical objects.
2. Perform calculations and solve problems in abstract mathematical and real world scenarios.
3. Present mathematical ideas using precise mathematical language in various forms
4. Development of a student's learning practice modelled by continual assessment across the modules and use of feedforward feedback to inform future learning.

Skills outcomes
Writing using correct and appropriate mathematical language.


Syllabus

The content will be delivered through lectures and workshops and will cover areas such as:
- Revision of basic arithmetic, algebra and equations.
- Manipulation of surds, logarithms and exponentials.
- Solution of equations; Trigonometry, Sin, Cos, Tan and their graphs.
- Introduction to vectors and representing vector quantities; Co-ordinate geometry of the straight line; gradients, lengths and perpendicularity; Co-ordinate geometry of circles and simple curves; gradients, tangents and perpendicularity.
- Manipulating and sketching functions; graph transformations.
- Differentiation of simple polynomial functions; Finding maxima and minima values using differentiation of polynomial functions. Differentiation of products, quotients and functions of a function; Differentiation of complex functions; sin x, cos x, tan x, e×, log x
- Integration of standard functions; Definite and indefinite integrals; Integration by parts and by substitution; Area under a curve and between curves, volumes of revolution.
- Applying numerical calculus techniques.
- Differentiation and integration of vectors and links to applications in science and engineering.
- Formulation and solution of differential equations.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Group learning301.0030.00
Lecture302.0060.00
Independent online learning hours60.00
Private study hours150.00
Total Contact hours90.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

Independent on-line learning:
Using VLE resources 30
Weekly quizzes / using online resources 30
Private study:
Reading 20
Working example problems 34
Preparing coursework 34
Revision for examinations 62

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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
Written Work5 x 2 hour problem sets15.00
In-course Assessment40 minute in-course exam5.00
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 typeExam 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: 30/06/2021 16:23:10

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