Mathematics for Foundation Science
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFEF006 | Life Sciences | 0 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- LIFEF006
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 0
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The module will provide knowledge, competence and experience of core mathematical topics that are relevant to embarking on courses in the Sciences. This module will include the topics:
Basic principles of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions related to percentages and decimal places.
Scientific notation, orders of magnitude, indices and powers, units and magnification.
Algebra and equations in science.
Simultaneous equations and quadratic equations.
Graphs and linear relationships.
Trigonometry and Pythagoras.
Calculus including differentiation, second derivatives and stationary points, and integration.
Statistics basics including mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, variance and the normal distribution.
Statistics applied including parametric and non-parametric testing.
Application of statistics in relation to scientific fieldwork.
Target Students
Science with Foundation Year students intending to progress to degrees in the Schools of Life Sciences, Biosciences, Pharmacy, Medicine (Cancer Sciences, and Medical Physiology and Therapeutics only), Maths (Natural Sciences only), Chemistry and Psychology.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc.
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: Problem solving.
- 25% Coursework 2: Scientific statistical report.
- 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam (June)
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
The module aims to prepare students with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics needed for a successful career in the sciences. It will: enhance student proficiency in algebraic and basic mathematical techniques essential to quantitative studies in science, develop core mathematical skills and techniques associated with calculus and its application within science and introduce and apply the basic mathematical concepts and statistical tools for quantifying scientific data collected in the field.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to demonstrate:
A1. Mathematical principles and their applications that are relevant for foundation to degree studies in a range of scientific disciplines
A4. Data analysis methods used in the sciences
Intellectual skills
Students will have:
B1. Developed data interpretation skills
B2. Demonstrated problem-solving skills
Professional Practical skills
Students will be able to:
C1. Use appropriate digital technologies
Transferable (key) skills
Students will be able to:
D1. Communicate their ideas and knowledge clearly and effectively in writing