Study Guide

Objective

After completing the course the student can:
- solve equations, including radical, exponential and logarithmic equations
- use determinants and matrices (e.g. for solving linear simultaneous equations)
- apply dot and cross products (e.g. in games, physics and electrical engineering applications)
- perform basic operations on complex numbers
- use relevant mathematical denotation correctly

Content

- Sets of numbers and number systems
- Real functions
- Polynomials equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic equations;
- Trigonometry for right triangles
- Complex numbers
- Vectors and matrices

Materials

1. Precalculus (3rd edition), Fred Safier, SCHAUM’S outlines.
2. Engineering Mathematics (6th edition), K.A. Stroud [MACMILLAN PRESS LTD]
3. Formula book: Technical formulas

Teaching methods

Teacher-directed classroom activities, group work and independent work; project work, reports, task-based (homework)

International connections

The contents of the course give understanding of the basic mathematics and help students to solve equations, including radical, exponential and logarithmic equations and use determinants and matrices (e.g. for solving linear simultaneous equations), apply dot and cross products (e.g. in games, physics and electrical engineering applications), moreover the students can use relevant mathematical denotation correctly
The students will team up for a project work and writing reports on some current and relevant aspect of basic math, which gives everyone an opportunity to understand the topic; all students will develop their mathematical proficiency.
Task-based assessment supports learning and is continuous throughout the course. Studying in an international group develops students’ ability to intercultural communication and multicultural collaboration.

Student workload

Classroom activities: Classroom activities participation 50 h
Homework: Working on homework sets 1-6 30 h
Project work: Research, presentation material, presentation 20h
Final exam: Preparing for the final exam 25 h

Content scheduling

2/22 - 3/22: theory, homework
3/22: project work
4/22: final exam
- Sets of numbers and number systems
- Real functions
- Polynomials equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic equations;
- Trigonometry for right triangles
- Complex numbers
- Vectors and matrices

Further information

All practical information on timetables, project work, grading etc., as well as links to web materials are provided in Optima.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Homework sets 1-6 , 30 %
-Total of thirty homework exercises based on reading material and classroom notes
-diagnostic/formative self / teacher evaluation in connection with each homework set return session
Project work, reports, presentations, 40 %
-Each outcome of the project work is assessed independently (assessment criteria is specified in Optima)
-peer feedback summative teacher feedback at the end of the course
Final exam, 30 %
-A written exam (1,5 hrs) on specified material
-Summativeteacher evaluationat the end of the course

Qualifications

High school mathematics courses (higher or subsidiary level)
OR
Primary+secondary school and vocational school maths curriculum AND course: Introduction to Precalculus
OR
equivalent skills