Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Mathematical IT skills
Code MATH111
Coordinator Dr SA Fairfax
Mathematical Sciences
Simon.Fairfax@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

•To acquire key mathematics-specific computer skills.
•To reinforce mathematics as a practical discipline by active experience and experimentation, using the computer as a tool.
•To illustrate and amplify mathematical concepts and techniques.
•To initiate and develop problem solving, group work and report writing skills.
•To initiate and develop modelling skills.
•To develop team work skills.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) After completing the module, students should be able to tackle project work, including writing up of reports detailing their solutions to problems.

(LO2) After completing the module, students should be able to use computers to create documents containing formulae, tables, plots and references.

(LO3) After completing the module, students should be able to use mathematical software packages such as Maple and Matlab to manipulate mathematical expressions and to solve simple problems.

(LO4) After completing the module, students should be able to better understand the mathematical topics covered, through direct experimentation with the computer.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) IT skills

(S5) Teamwork

(S6) Adaptability

(S7) Leadership

(S8) Mathematical modelling skills


Syllabus

 

Weeks 1-6:

Introduction to MWS and University of Liverpool electronic resources.
Mathematical software packages:
Interface, help system, production of reports.
Numerical computations.
Basic symbolic computations.
Basic types of objects.
Names, assignments, expressions, functions. Expression manipulation.
Solving algebraic equations. Calculus. Plotting.
Linear algebra packages. Vectors and Matrices.
Elements of programming (loops and conditionals).

Week 7:

Workshop to develop team work skills.

Weeks 8-12:

Group project work in different areas using mathematical software packages for investigation and for presentation of the results.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Individual assignments There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  Equivalent to 2-5 si    25       
Group projects There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  Equivalent to 2-5 si    25       
Group projects There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  Equivalent to 2-5 si    25       
Individual assignments There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  Equivalent to 2-5 si    25