2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

NATS2380 Mathematical Skills for Natural Scientists

10 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Dr Daniel Stone
Email: d.stone@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisites

CHEM1181	Mathematics for Chemists
NATS1380	Introductory Mathematics for Natural Scientists

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces mathematical tools and methods beyond the A-level syllabus that are necessary to gain a full understanding of Natural Sciences. It emphasises problem solving and makes extensive use of scientific examples. The teaching methods 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 a range of disciplines within Natural Sciences and be able to apply these to relevant scientific problems.

Learning outcomes
1. The students will have extended their knowledge in the application of mathematics to solve problems in Natural Sciences.
2. The students will extended the mathematical background necessary for further study of uses of mathematics in Natural Sciences.
3. The students will develop additional understanding of mathematical principles and an appreciation of mathematics as a logical and coherent subject.
4. The students develop 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 mathematics that have wide application in Natural Sciences but fall beyond the A-level syllabus, in particular within linear algebra, calculus and statistics. Specific applications of the associated mathematical methods and tools in Natural Sciences.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	5	1.00	5.00
Computer Class	7	2.00	14.00
Lecture	6	1.00	6.00
Independent online learning hours			5.00
Private study hours			70.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

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.

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.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Computer Exercise	A single online test that can only be taken once’	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	1 hr 30 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Examined with CHEM1181.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 17/05/2024 10:06:05

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